A 21-year-old Connemara man, who violently attacked a taxi by smashing the car window with a wheel brace and putting the driver and the juvenile passengers in fear, has been remanded on continuing bail to allow time for compensation to be gathered and for the preparation of reports.
Shane Conroy (21 ) with an address at Roscide, Rosmuc, Co Galway, appeared at Galway District Court on Monday charged with causing damage to the driver’s side window of a vehicle, contrary to Section 2(1 ) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991, being in possession of a wheel brace with the intention of intimidating a person, by breaking a window, and causing that person to be in fear, contrary to Section (5 ) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, and threatening and abusive behaviour, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order ) Act, at Seamus Quirke Road on August 30, 2012. He was also further charged threatening and abusive behaviour at Galway Courthouse on October 15, 2012.
The court heard that Conroy had been armed with a wheelbrace when he became violent and smashed the windscreen of the taxi, putting the driver in fear as well as a number of children who had been in the vehicle at the time.
In relation to the offence on October 15 the court further heard how Conroy had been in the court room when his phone rang. He left the court room but then abused a garda officer.
Judge Mary Fahy noted that she has serious concerns for Conroy and the safety of the public. She also wished to ensure that Conroy continues his studies at college, it is “good for his well being”. She then warned Conroy that he must own up to what he did and pay compensation to the taxi driver of €400.
“I am concerned that his level of re-offending is high,” said Judge Fahy, before remanding Conroy on continuing bail to appear in court again on May 5 next for the payment of €400 compensation as well as a psychiatric report.
