Laois man went joyriding in 83-year-old woman’s car
Image for illustration purposes
A MAN who went joyriding in an 83-year-old woman’s car that had been stolen from her home was given a suspended prison sentence at Portlaoise District Court.
Shane Ward (19), Clonad, Portlaoise had previously pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a car from a domestic premises in Portlaoise on 28 May last year.
The court heard that on the night, while the 83-year-old woman was asleep in her home, her car was taken and damaged.
Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her client had engaged fully with the Restorative Justice Programme and had €750 in compensation in court for the lady.
She said that Mr Ward “wants to do whatever he can to put this whole issue behind the injured party.” While damage was caused to the car, the court heard that the damage had been covered, but that the woman had to put €2,500 together to purchase another car.
Judge Andrew Gubbins noted that in the injured party’s statement to the court, she tells how the incident had shaken her sense of independence, safety and confidence; how it felt for her car to be taken from under her nose from outside her bedroom window and her sense of fear following the incident.
Ms Fitzpatrick said that while her client had been in the car at the time, he was not the person who had stolen it.
She said: “He has no excuse for driving it on the night in question, but he co-operated fully with the gardaí in their inquiries and made admissions.” Judge Gubbins wanted to know how long the woman was without her car?
Garda Sgt Kirby said that gardaí had the car for about two weeks, examining it and taking evidence from it. He said there was damage done to it.
Ms Fitzpatrick said the Restorative Justice Programme report expressed its satisfaction in the manner her client had engaged with it.
Taking the stand and under oath, Mr Ward said he “didn’t take the car, but I was driving it.” Judge Gubbins asked him to explain to the court how he thought the 83-year-old woman had felt when her car had been taken?
Ms Fitzpatrick asked him: “Would you have liked this to have happened to your own mother,” to which Mr Ward replied: “No.” “What have you got to say to the woman,” asked his solicitor, to which he replied: “I’m sorry.” Judge Gubbins said: “Her car was taken from underneath her nose while she was asleep and taken for a joyride and crashed. It took her independence away from her.” He went on to impose a two-month sentence, which he suspended for two years, and ordered a further €250 be put to the €750 he had in court and to be given to the injured party.
Mr Ward was also instructed to engage with an employment and training officer with the probation services.
