This article is from page 14 of the 2013-04-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
DISCUSSIONS have taken place between senior management from the Health Service’s Executive (HSE) and Ennis Town Council over the provision of accommodation for a man who admits setting fire to a nursing home.
The meetings were highlighted at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court last Thursday during the case of James Sherlock (24).
Mr Sherlock, a wheelchair bound amputee formerly of 16 Childers Road, Ennis, has pleaded guilty to causing arson at the Lakes Nursing Home, Killaloe on August 20 (2010). Sentencing in the case had previously been adjourned to see if a suitable residential placing could be found for Mr Sherlock.
The accused was not in court last week as he was staying in the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick. Eoin Ryan, Senior Probation Officer for the Ennis area, told the court that Mr Sherlock was medically fit to be discharged “but has nowhere to go.”
He said no appropriate accommodation is available for Mr Sherlock.
Mr Ryan explained that due to Mr Sherlock’s past behavioural difficulties and his conviction for arson, many nursing homes and hostels would not accept him due to insurance issues.
He said he was aware that the matter has been discussed between the HSE and Ennis Town Council.
Counsel for Mr Sherlock, Pat Whyms BL, told the court on Monday that his client had discharged himself from the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
Judge Gerard Keyes said he was “very conscious” that Mr Sherlock was not present in court.
He said he was of the view that there would be “absolutely nothing to be gained by imposing a custodial sentence on this man.”
“The State has to provide facilities for this man,” he added.
Judge Keyes said he would be prepared to impose a suspended sentence on condition that Mr Sherlock “respect the facilities afforded to him without any interference or unacceptable behaviour.”
He said he hoped his comments would alleviate some of the concerns of accomdation providers.
The case was adjourned until yesterday (Monday). It was further adjourned until June.