Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

Virginia Court Briefs

Suspended sentence

A Dublin man who had 11 previous convictions was handed a suspend sentence when he pleaded guilty at a sitting of Virginia District Court to a charge of driving with excess alcohol. Patrick McDonagh, 16 Allendale Glen, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, was charged that on November 1 at Deerpark, Virginia, he drove with excess alcohol 51mg/100ml breath, and was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for two years. He was also fined €750 and disqualified from driving for four years.

Probation Act applied

A 21-year-old Cavan man who pleaded guilty to stealing a sum of money from another man was given the benefit of the Probation Act when he pleaded guilty to the offence at Virginia District Court. Christopher Maughan, 4 Springfield, Cavan town, was charged that on September 15, 2009, at Kilquilly, Ballyjamesduff he stole €300 from David Curren.

Inspector Ray McMahon said the defendant entered Skelly's Vivo shop and approached the injured party. He offered Mr. Curren a second-hand lawnmower for €300 and when Mr. Curren handed over the money the defendant made off with it.

John McCoy BL (instructed by solicitor John Gaffney) said he had the €300 in court for the victim. His client was sorry for what he did and it was his first offence. He fell into bad company and was not the leader.

Judge Sean MacBride said he was taking into account that it was the defendant's first offence and that he had expressed remorse for what he did. "You get one chance with me and one chance only," he said. He advised the defendant to keep his nose clean.

Stole a Wii in Tesco

A Bailieboro man who stole goods to the value of €221 from Tesco Ireland was given the benefit of the Probation Act when he pleaded guilty to the offence at a sitting of Virginia District Court. William McCullough (24), 2 Ballinamoney, Bailieboro, was charged that on January 17 at Tesco, Kingscourt Road, Bailieboro, he stole a Wii console valued €200, a shirt valued €10, a pair of socks €6 and batteries €5.

Inspector Ray McMahon said at 7.10pm on the day in question the defendant made off with the items. However, he was intervened and the goods were recovered outside.

Defending solicitor, Elish McCabe, said her client had not taken his medication for the previous seven days and this had an affect on his behaviour. Since the incident he had written to the gardaí and apologised for his behaviour. All the goods were recovered outside. His medication was being carefully monitored now.

Community service ordered

Gerard McDonagh (26), 59 Lakeview, Cavan town, was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service in lieu of four months when he pleaded guilty at Virginia District Court to stealing €150 from Simon McNally. He was charged that on March 25, 2009, at Convent lands, Carrickmacross, he stole the money from Mr. McNally.

Inspector Ray McMahon said the defendant entered a filling station in Carrickmacross and offered the injured party a drill for €150. When the victim handed over the money the defendant made off with it. The defendant had 17 previous convictions.

Mr. John McCoy BL (instructed by solicitor John Gaffney), defending, handed over the €150 for the victim. He said his client was willing to undertake community service and give something back.