This article is from page 14 of the 2013-06-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
PROGRESS has been made in attempts to secure accommodation for a wheelchair bound man who set fire to a nursing home in Killaloe, a court has heard.
In February, James Sherlock Jnr, formerly of 16 Childers Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court to causing arson at the Lakes Nursing Home in Killaloe on August 20 (2010).
The 24 year old is confined to a wheelchair after loosing both of his legs to amputation.
Heroin addiction lead to the amputation of Mr Sherlock’s right leg. He recently underwent surgery to amputate his left leg.
Finalisation of the case had been adjourned pending suitable accommodation being found for Mr Sherlock.
Circuit Court Judge, Gerard Keyes has said the State must find suit- able facilities for Mr Sherlock. Judge Keyes has previously indicated that he will not impose a custodial sentence. The Court was previously told that due to Mr Sherlock’s past behavioral difficulties and his pleading guilty to arson, many nursing homes and hostels would not accept him due to insurance issues.
The court has heard that discussions have taken place between local authorities, The Probation Services and the Health Services Executive (HSE) with the aim of finding accommodation for Mr Sherlock.
The case came back before the court on Tuesday. Counsel for Mr Sherlock, Pat Whyms BL told the court that the local authority has made progress in attempts to find accommodation for his client.
He said the Probation Service were seeking a further adjournment of the case.
Judge Keyes said he was not going to “interfere” with the progress being made.
Mr Sherlock has spent a period of time staying at the vacant Fairways apartment block in Ennis.