A Galway teenager who had been found driving a car which had been stolen in a burglary was given 10 months’ detention and a four year disqualification after using up all of his chances.
Eighteen-year-old Gary Feeney with an address at 54 Carn Ard, Circular Road, appeared before Galway District Court charged with taking a vehicle without consent, handling stolen property, namely car keys, and driving without insurance at Letteragh Road on June 9, 2009.
Inspector Michael Coppinger told the court that at 3am the defendant, who was known to gardai, was spotted driving a car. The gardai followed and when the car was stopped Feeney fled from the scene but was apprehended and the car keys were found on his person. As a result of enquiries it was discovered that the car had been reported stolen following a burglary in Salthill on June 7, 2009. The court heard that when the defendant was arrested he denied any involvement in the burglary and the taking of the car.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her client, who had just turned 18 at the time of the offence, had not been involved in the burglary. She said that he had been before the courts previously, had been doing well, and was co-operating with the probation services.
“The court gave him umpteen chances,” said Judge Mary Fahy.
Ms Corcoran again stressed that Feeney had no involvement in the burglary, and that he had met with individuals who had the car.
After hearing the evidence, Judge Fahy imposed a total of 10 months’ detention and disqualified Feeney from driving for four years.
