Listowel Court round-up: A day of second chances for first-timers offenders
The KerrymanOften, the same faces appear before court time and again.
At Listowel District Court last Thursday, it was different. For many, it was their first brush with the law and their first time setting foot in a courtroom.
Judge David Waters was halfway through the day’s list when he made the observation.
“So, we’ve a lot of first timers today, have we?” said Judge David Waters.
The judge gave many first-time offenders a second chance, offering to strike the charge if they made a donation.
Amongst them was Samuel Sparks of Killocrim, Listowel who was ordered to donate €250 to The Grove Addiction Treatment Centre for cannabis possession on October 16, 2022. “He’s in a terrible state of shock for the whole thing,” said his solicitor Pat Mann.
Caitlin Core (22) of Clounprohus, Moyvane was ordered to donate €300 to The Grove after pleading guilty to possession of €70 of cocaine on September 14 at Tea Lane, Listowel. Noting it was her first time before the courts, the judge said he would give her a chance. “As I say to everybody, that’s a once-off offer. If you’re found with drugs again, you get a criminal conviction.”
Jamie O’Connor (19) of 13 Grove Crescent, Abbeyfeale, Limerick was ordered to donate €300 to Little Blue Heroes Foundation for abusive language after he “unloaded a trail of abuse out of thin air for no reason” at 9.40pm on September 27 on William Street, Listowel.
“What was wrong with him?” asked the judge.
“He had no idea, judge” said solicitor Brendan Ahern. “All he remembers is being arrested.”
Another courtroom debutant, Niall Sheehan (36) of Moyvane North, Moyvane was ordered to donate €300 to The Grove after being found in possession of €50 of cocaine for his own use on 6 April at Charles Street, Listowel on April 6.
Sean O’Donoghue (50) made his first appearance before the courts for disorderly conduct in a public place after he “did shout and roar” at Ladies Day, September 26 at Listowel Races. The court heard that Mr O’Donoghue, of Horsehill, Ballinadee, Bandon, Cork was unsteady on his feet, verbally abusive and refused to leave the premises. “What is it with people that they can’t control their alcohol?” asked the judge. He ordered a donation of €300 to Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
Dylan Douglas (34) of Kilbride Park, Tullamore, County Offaly was fined €400 for possession of €100 of cannabis. “He’s routinely searched,” said his solicitor Pat Mann.
Corvin Rhode (47) of Cloverfield Estate, John B. Keane Road, Listowel was sentenced to two months prison for threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour while on bail on May 28. “He’s always on bail, judge,” said his solicitor Padraig O’Connell. “Yes, that has to be accepted.”