One Galway man will now have to spend an extra five months in jail after being found in possession of heroin and tools that could assist a burglary, before pushing over a Garda in an escape attempt.
Jonathan Harlowe (25 ) with an address at 29 Seaman Drive, Riverside, appeared at Galway District Court last Monday and pleaded guilty to being in possession of two screwdrivers, a torch, and reversible jacket with the intention to use these in a burglary, being in possession of heroin and to obstructing Garda Noel Sweeney on January 11, 2008, at Glenanail Drive, Riverside. There was also a charge for failing to appear in court on February 11, 2008. Charges of assaulting Garda Sweeney and attempting to escape were withdrawn.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that at around 2am Garda Sweeney was on duty when he spotted the defendant. Garda Sweeney searched the defendant and found “two pieces of tin foil” containing traces of heroin, a screw driver, and a torch. The defendant then pushed Garda Sweeney over and “made good his escape”.
Defence solicitor, Sean O’Cearbhaill, said that his client had “severe heroin addiction” and when he was arrested he had been heavily addicted. He added that there had been disorder in Harlowe’s life and he went to England to deal with his problems but came back. The court then heard how Harlowe is currently serving a 15 month sentence and is attending an addiction counsellor and completing a FETEC course while in custody. Mr O’Cearbhaill said that the defendant is “hoping to be able to make a fresh start”.
Although she acknowledged that the defendant was engaging well with the prison services, Judge Mary Fahy said that she couldn’t get away from the fact that Harlowe had a serious previous conviction for burglary. She ordered that he serve an extra five months on the termination date of the sentence currently being served.
