A 31-year-old man, who with accomplices used distraction tactics to rob cash from a garage office, was sentenced to serve an extra five months in jail.
Paul Ward with an address given as 95 Fearann Ri, Doughiska, and Raheen, Loughrea, was brought before Galway District Court on Monday charged with burglary at Excelsior Garage Ltd, Ballybane Industrial Estate, on May 28, 2010.
The court heard that in reply to the charges Ward said: “I’m sorry for stealing the money, I was on drugs at the time. I apologise.” Garda Emma Kerin gave evidence that a car had pulled into the garage, to the far end of the yard, and the occupants began asking a staff member for directions. While the staff member was distracted the defendant walked into the office and took the contents of the till, €100 cash, before leaving. Garda Kerin added that Ward was seen on CCTV entering and leaving the office. When Ward was arrested he said that he had been heavily dependent on drugs and this was the reason for taking the money.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran stressed that her client has owned up to his part in the incident, that it was “opportunistic” and he had been addicted to drugs at the time. She added that Ward, who is currently serving an eight month sentence for a separate matter, is the father of three children and is using his time in custody to receive addiction counselling.
Inspector Ernie White then informed Judge Mary Fahy that the defendant has 14 previous convictions which include sentences for burglary, theft, and handling stolen property. Judge Fahy convicted Ward and imposed a five month sentence to be served on lawful termination of sentence being served.
