A 20-year-old man with 67 previous convictions was sentenced to six months in St Patrick’s Institution by Judge Mary Devins at Castlebar District Court on Wednesday, after the Ballinrobe man was convicted of five criminal damage charges, theft, and the unlawful taking of an MPV.
Inspector Mick Murray outlined that on February 15 at 8.30pm on New Antrim Street, Michael Cleary, 22 Lough Mask Road, Ballinrobe was arrested as a suspect for taking a vehicle belonging to Mr Keith Quinn from a premises on the Westport Road at 7.30am. When the defendant stole the car, he drove into the wall of the Quinn family home which resulted in €300 worth of damage.
While being brought to Castlebar Garda Station, Cleary was observed throwing items from the garda car. These items were retrieved and were identified as medication belonging to Mr Patrick Prendergast, who later reported to gardaí that the window of his car had been smashed; with his steering wheel was also damaged and his jacket stolen — the defendant was wearing the stolen jacket when he was arrested. The total damage caused to the car amounted to €200. Cleary was also charged with smashing a car window belonging to Mr Joseph Joyce causing €100 worth of damage.
Defending solicitor Aidan Crowley said that the defendant was “out of it” when he committed these offences. Mr Crowley said that since Cleary was 15 he has used drugs and consumed alcohol and has also served several custodial sentences. The solicitor said that Cleary wanted to engage in professional help rather than go to jail, however, Judge Devins said that the “best place for Mr Cleary is in St Patrick’s Institution”.
Along with the six month conviction, Cleary was convicted and fined €300 for criminal damage to Quinn’s wall and was ordered to pay €300 compensation. Recognisances were fixed.
