This article is from page 16 of the 2013-03-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A DUBLIN man who demanded money from a pregnant woman during a shop robbery in Ennis last January has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Joshua Brophy (23) had consumed cocaine and alcohol prior to stealing € 325 from Liddy’s Costcutter, Mill Road, Ennis, on January 12 (2012).
Mr Brophy, with an address at Flat 1397, South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin, was sentenced at a sitting of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Friday.
The court heard the heavily pregnant woman believed the man used a knife like instrument when he de- manded the money from her.
No weapon was recovered and CCTV footage indicated that the man did not know the woman was pregnant, the court heard.
Judge Gerard Keyes said the incident had a traumatic effect on the woman who he said was extremely anxious for the welfare of her unborn child.
“This was a serious offence and one that had a very traumatic effect on the victim,” he added.
Judge Keyes said Mr Brophy had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol having partied all night in Ennis.
He said cocaine had given the accused the “courage” to commit the offence.
Mr Brophy has 86 previous convictions, the court heard.
Judge Keyes said he had been told that Mr Brophy had incurred a drug debt of € 36,000 at the time of the robbery.
He said the accused had offered his apologies to the victim.
The court heard Mr Brophy comes from a difficult family background. He had been homeless for a period as a teenager and become addicted to heroin aged 15.
Mr Brophy is currently clean of all substances and has requested a place in the Cuan Mhuire residential treatment centre.
Judge Keyes said he had been told the accused is very anxious to remain drug free and is eager to rehabilitate himself.
A letter of support from homeless campaigner, Fr Peter McVerry was handed into court.
Judge Keyes said he wanted treatment to be an aspect of the sentence imposed on Mr Brophy but that there are a lack of residential treatment places available.
He added, “Fr McVerry is doing what the State should be doing and that is what concerns me.”
Mr Brophy was sentenced to three years in prison, with the final 14 months suspended.
The sentence was backdated to February 5. A direction was also issued for Mr Brophy to come under the care of the Probation Services on release. T W O MEN charged with smashing up a van in an Ennis estate last year have had their cases adjourned until April. Dylan Dinan (20), with an address at 6Water Park Court, Ennis and MartinWard (25), with an address at 17 Main Street, Gort are charged with the criminal damage of the windscreen and bodywork of a van at Maiville, Ennis on October 11 (2012). Inspector TomKennedy told Ennis District Court onWednesday that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the case. He said it would be alleged that the accused went to Maiville at around 8.30pmand damaged the van belonging to a woman with a baseball bat. He said the cost of the damage has been estimated at €4767. Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction. Solicitor for Mr Dinan,Tara Godfrey, said she would be seeking disclosure fromthe State. Mr Ward was not present in court for proceedings. His solicitor, Daragh Hassett, told the court that his client had been advised by gardaí not to come to court because of the presence of certain individuals. Both men were remanded on bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on April 3. A MA N has appeared in court charged in connection with a public order incident on the Kilrush Road in Ennis last month. Anthony McDonagh (26) is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Maiville, Kilrush Road Ennis on February 28 (2013). Mr McDonagh, with an address at 37 Maiville, Kilrush Road, Ennis is also facing a charge of being intoxicated in a public place. Inspector TomKennedy said the matter is to be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Solicitor Tara Godfrey requested that the case be adjourned to April 10. Legal aid was approved for Ms Godfrey. A MA N allegedly found in possession of cannabis and ecstasy at an Ennis address has appeared in court. Sean Slattery (23), with an address at 39 Park Avenue, Clon Road, appeared at Ennis District Court onWednesday. He is charged with the unlawful possession of ecstasy and cannabis herb at 39 Park Avenue, Clon Road on February 17 (2013). He is further charged with having cannabis for sale or supply at the same location and same date. Inspector TomKennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had yet to issue directions in the case. He requested a two-week adjournment. Defence Solicitor Daragh Hassett consented to the adjournment on behalf of his client.The case was adjourned until March 13. T W O MEN