This article is from page 2 of the 2013-04-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
LOCAL authorities in Clare may be asked to provide housing for a wheelchair bound amputee who pleaded guilty to setting fire to a nursing home in Killaloe.
In February, James Sherlock (24) pleaded guilty to causing arson at the Lakes Nursing Home, Killaloe on August 20 (2010).
At his sentencing hearing, Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard that gardaí and members of the Fire Services were called to the private nursing home on the outskirts of Killaloe to deal with a fire started by Mr Sherlock in his locked first-floor room. Staff and all residents were evacuated after the fire which caused € 5425 worth of damage.
The court heard that the damage was confined mainly to Mr Sherlock’s room.
A 94-year-old resident died on the same night. A post mortem later showed the woman died from natural causes.
An inquest in December 2011 heard there was no evidence that her death was related to the fire.
The court heard that Mr Sherlock, formerly of 16 Childers Road, Ennis, stuffed materials under his wheelchair before setting the chair alight.
Mr Sherlock later told gardaí he set fire to his bedclothes with a lighter after drinking neat vodka. He said it was an accident and that he had been in a bad mood.
The court heard Mr Sherlock had his right leg amputated from the knee down six weeks prior to the incident. The procedure was necessary due to a “historic heroin addiction” the court heard.
Urging the court not to impose a prison sentence, Defence Counsel, Pat Whyms BL said in February, “In terms of punishment, this man’s life is a living hell.”
The case was adjourned until April for reports from the Probation Services.
On Wednesday, Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mr Sherlock is currently in hospital receiving treatment.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Stephen Coughlan said the Probation Services had indicated they are “looking to the local authority” to find ground floor, wheelchair accessible accommodation for Mr Sherlock.
Mr Coughlan said the hospital were unwilling discharge Mr Sherlock until a plan for accommodation is in place.
Mr Coughlan added, “It is a bit of a chicken and an egg situation.”
Judge Gerard Keyes said, “There has to be facilities made available…. This man just can’t be abandoned.” Judge Keyes adjourned the case until tomorrow (Wednesday, April 24).