This article is from page 10 of the 2013-03-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
A TEENAGER allowed stolen property to be stored in his home in Ennis earlier this year because he “risked serious harm” if he refused, a court has heard. Dara Maloney (19), with an address at 32 Morrissey Avenue, Cloughleigh, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to two charges of handling a stolen Dell laptop and a black Samsung flat screen TV at 32 Morrissey Avenue, Cloughleigh, Ennis on January 23 (2013).
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the items were discovered following a garda search of the house at 8am on the morning in question.
Insp Kennedy said the accused told gardaí that he bought the goods of a man whom he did not identify.
The court heard the laptop was stolen from a house in Kilnamona last December. The television was stolen during a separate house burglary.
Mr Maloney is not charged in connection with the burglaries.
Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client had been pressured into storing the stolen items in his home. Mr Hassett said a person known to the gardaí had taken advantage of his client, warning Mr Maloney he “risked serious harm” if he did not co-operate.
In reply, Insp Kennedy said the accused had been “less than co-operative” in telling guards where the goods came from.
Mr Hassett said his client had not been forthcoming to gardaí because he “feared for his life.”
The court heard the accused had been a good soccer player who obtained his leaving cert and is now hoping to secure work in London.
Judge Patrick Durcan said he appreciated that Mr Maloney had potential. However, he added that anyone who “plays a role in the supply of capacity to thugs” who break into homes is as guilty as they are.
Judge Durcan commented that the fact that thieves and robbers now required storage facilities adds a new dimension to the crime of burglary in Clare. He imposed a three-month sentence on each charge, suspending the sentences for 12 months. Recogances were fixed in the event of an appeal.