This article is from page 27 of the 2014-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
A DRIVER was pulled from his car and allegedly threatened after four people jumped into his vehicle in Ennis last year.
It is alleged Declan Sherlock (19) unlawfully took control of the man’s car after he was ordered into the back seat, Ennis District Court heard on Wednesday.
Mr Sherlock, with an address at 41 Dromard, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with unlawful use of a vehicle without the consent of the owner at Quin Road, Ennis, on August 19, 2013.
Details of the alleged offence were outlined to Judge William Early at Ennis District Court on Wednesday so he could consider the issue of jurisdiction, which court the case will proceed in.
Insp Tom Kennedy told the court the alleged victim was stopped at traffic lights outside Moloney’s Pub in Ennis. The court heard four people, including the accused, approached the car and jumped in.
The court heard the driver knew some of the people in the group. Insp Kennedy said Mr Sherlock asked the driver to go the Dromard housing estate.
He said that as a woman exited the vehicle at Dromard, the diver told everyone to get out.
Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged the driver was threatened and directed to drive to another area of Ennis in relation to what he called “drug activity”.
The court heard that when the car arrived at the location, a row occurred. The 18-year-old driver was pulled from the front seat and put in the back.
Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Sherlock took control of the car before driving to other estates in Ennis.
Judge William Early said that having heard the alleged evidence this was not a minor offence fit to be tried summarily. He refused jurisdiction meaning the case will proceed to the Circuit Court.
Separately, Mr Sherlock is also charged with a burglary offence allegedly committed at Market Hardware, Quin Road, Ennis, March 31, 2013.
Outlining details of the alleged offence, Insp Kennedy said the intruder alarm was activated at the business at around 4am.
It is alleged gardaí discovered Mr Sherlock on the premises in posses- sion of a number of stolen items.
Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Sherlock was holding a Stanley knife and a claw hammer.
Insp Kennedy said it is alleged the accused had the weapons to defend himself in case he was challenged.
After hearing the alleged facts, Mr Sherlock stood up in court and said, “This is a load of s***”.
Judge Early told the accused he had to hear the allegations to so if they are fit to be heard in the District Court.
He said he was satisfied this was not a minor offence fit to be tried summarily. He refused jurisdiction.
Mr Sherlock was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on May 7 for service of the book of evidence.