This article is from page 15 of the 2014-02-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
A COUSIN of former Republic of Ireland soccer star Steve Finnan has pleaded guilty to drug dealing arising from the discovery of an amount of prescription drugs in Quin last year.
Father of two, Sean Finnan (22), appeared before Ennis District Court on Thursday charged with possession of a controlled drug for sale or supply at his former address at 21 The Park, Quin, on January 7, 2013.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court gardaí found 250 xanax tablets and dealing paraphernalia including a ‘tick list’ when they executed a search warrant on the property.
The court heard Mr Finnan has 57 previous convictions mainly for drugs, public order and burglary offences.
Defence solicitor Shiofra Hassett told Judge Patrick Durcan her client is currently in prison.
She said Mr Finnan received a suspended sentence at Limerick District Court earlier this month but asked for the sentence to be activated because he feared for his life outside prison.
The court heard Mr Finnan received 25 pellet wounds outside his home in Limerick city in December.
Ms Hassett said her client had been forced to leave his home and sleep rough because he could not secure alternative accommodation.
“He had serious concerns for the safety of his family and that is why he left home”, she explained.
The court heard Mr Finnan is currently being held in protective custody because of threats against his life.
Ms Hassett asked the court not to add to her client’s current term of imprisonment.
Judge Patrick Durcan noted the risk of Mr Finnan re-offending is high.
However, noting the danger to Mr Finnan’s life, his family circumstances and current sentence, Judge Durcan said he wanted to make an order that reflected the seriousness of the charge and offered the accused some hope.
He imposed sentences totaling six months but suspended them on condition Mr Finnan enter into a bond to be law abiding. Mr Finnan is due for release in August. A CA S E where it is alleged a serious public order disturbance took place at a busy shopping centre in Ennis last year may be heard in the Circuit Court, a court has heard. OnWednesday, Inspector TomKennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not yet directed in the case. He said a book of evidence may be required for the matter. Insp Kennedy was referring to an alleged incident at Tesco’s Ennis on December 18, 2013. Four people are facing charges arising from the alleged incident. Anne Delaney (45), with an address at Waterpark Heights, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, insulting or abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. James Delaney (26), with an address Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis is also charged with engaging in threatening, insulting or abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. James Keenan (40), with an address at 30 Childer’s Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis and a teenager are both charged with public order offences arising fromthe alleged incident at Tesco’s, Francis Street, Ennis on December 18. The cases were adjourned to March 12 for DPP’s directions. A MA N charged with having drugs allegedly worth €13,000 for sale or supply in Doora has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court. Keith Loftus (21), with an address at Noughaval, Doora, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday. He is charged with possession of cannabis for purposes of sale or supply at Noughaval, Doora on August 6. He is also charged with unlawful possession at the same address and date. He is further charged with possession of cannabis and amphetamine for sale or supply when the aggregate market value of the controlled drugs amounted to €13,000 or more. Garda Irene O’Flynn gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the accused. Inspector TomKennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented to the accused being returned for trial to the next sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court, on bail as set. Legal aid was approved for solicitor Daragh Hassett, one junior counsel and one senior counsel. Judge Patrick Durcan delivered the alibi warning and made the order returning the accused for trial. A MA N has appeared in court charged in connection with an incident of alleged dangerous driving in Scariff almost two years ago. DeclanWard (20), with an address at Derrynameal, Feakle, is charged driving a vehicle in a dangerous manner, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harmat Market Square, Scariff on March 13, 2012. He is further with handling stolen property, 10 cans of cider and the use of the vehicle without the owner’s consent. The court heard Mr Ward made no response to any of the charges after caution. Legal aid was approved for solicitor Daragh Hassett. Mr Hassett said he would not be making an application for bail at this point. Mr Ward was remanded in custody to appear again at Ennis District Court on February 19.