This article is from page 15 of the 2014-07-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
AN ENNIS man who stole bottles of spirits from Dunnes Stores has avoided jail but has been ordered to do some “pick and spade” work around the town. At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Patrick McCarthy (21) was ordered to do 200 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison, after pleading guilty to theft and public order offences.
Mr McCarthy admitted stealing bottles of vodka, Jack Daniels whis- key and Captain Morgan’s rum from Dunne Stores on February 4.
He further admitted stealing rum and whiskey from Dunnes Stores on February 9. Those bottles were later recovered, the court heard.
Mr McCarthy, with addresses at Woodlawn, Lahinch Road, Ennis and Ballaghboy Halting Site, Quin Road, Ennis, also pleaded guilty to being intoxicated to such an extent to be in breach of the public order act at Ballaghboy on May 14.
After being told Mr McCarthy had a number of previous convictions for theft, public order and drugs offences, Judge Patrick Durcan said the accused had an “appalling record”.
“He’s got a masters degree at this stage”, Judge Durcan said.
Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court her client had a very difficult childhood. She said Mr McCarthy started taking head shop type drugs, aged 15 and has had serious problems with alcoholism.
The court was told he is currently awaiting sentence in the Circuit Court on a criminal damage matter.
Judge Patrick Durcan imposed pris- on sentences totaling four months but substituted them for 200 hours of community service.
He said this was a time of the year when Ennis is in competition for the Tidy Towns.
The Judge said he was sure the local authorities in Ennis would appreciate a few “pick and spade merchants” doing work around the town.
He remanded Mr McCarthy on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on September 17 for a pre-sentence report from the Probation Services.