A youth who stole a car in Athlone and burnt it out in Mullingar had his sentence postponed until April 1 to come up with sufficient compensation.
Before the District Court in Athlone this week (January 21 ) was John McGuinn (20 ) from Clonmore, Mullingar.
He had pleaded guilty to stealing a car at 4am on July 11 from the Hodson Bay Hotel on the western shore of Lough Ree and burning it out on the shores of Lough Ennell, three miles south of Mullingar.
According to prosecuting officer, Inspector Nicholas Farrell, the vehicle was valued at €1,900.
Defending solicitor, Mr Padraig Quinn, began mitigation by telling the court his client had no previous convictions and that his family would help with compensation but Judge John Neilan interrupted him.
“We know nothing about the owner of this car or whether they had to use Shanks’ mare since then,” he said.
“What about the owner of this car? It wasn’t a €150,000 Mercedes but it was a vehicle they needed to use.
“Why hasn’t he paid one cent since July? He hasn’t shown any remorse or contrition.
“There is a victim lying behind all this but nobody seems to be greatly concerned about them. You said two months [for compensation to be gathered]?” Judge Neilan said to Mr Quinn before postponing sentencing until April 4 to allow this to be gathered.
He also instructed Inspector Farrell to liaise with the victim to find out how much they were put out of pocket by this crime.
