Three Kildare siblings get convictions at same court sitting
Athy courthouse
THREE siblings in court on the same day received three very different outcomes, with the oldest brother getting 11 months in prison, the youngest sister getting fined €750, and the middle sister walking away with the Probation Act.
Tommy (34), Hayley (33) and Jessie (28) Connell, all with an address in Castlepark, Athy were appearing in Athy District Court last week to plead guilty to 15 separate charges, the majority (11) facing Jessie, while Tommy faced the most serious.
He appeared from custody charged with “urinating all over the floor” of a cubicle in Naas A&E on 26 August, requiring it to be deep cleaned, costing the hospital €200.
“What was he in for?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
Solicitor Jackie McManus explained that he had overdosed on drugs and added that there was no physical violence.
Sergeant Ruth Coleman told the court he had 62 previous convictions, 10 of which were for criminal damage.
“He insists he wants a sentence … it’s unusual he wants to go to jail,” shrugged Ms McManus.
“I was off me head on drugs!” said the defendant loudly from the dock.
“He wants to go to the Midlands,” repeated his solicitor.
Judge Zaidan wasted no time in handing down an 11-month sentence, saying: “It was a horrendous offence, in a cubicle needed for emergencies”.
When Jessie appeared the judge also remembered her saying: “When she was before me earlier this year she looked like the walking dead, she was about five stone”.
She had been sentenced to 10 months on 9 September, but the judge changed his mind.
“She wanted to be remanded to jail but I refused,” he said.
“I said she should be in a clinic, and she said if I didn’t, she’d just go to Dublin and hours later she shoplifted a bottle of Lucozade, was arrested and jailed.
“That’s how much she wants to go to jail.
“The issue of drugs is the living hell in Ireland … she’s still out there, still doing drugs, still five stone.”
However, Sergeant Ruth Coleman told the judge that Jessie was declared ‘UAL’ – unlawfully at Large – from Dochas “and there is a committal warrant out for her”.
Perusing her 11 charge sheets, the judge noted how many thefts were from Aldi in Athy, commenting: “Aldi seems to be her favourite shop, although I don’t think she’s their favourite customer!”
Sgt Coleman revealed Jessie had 76 previous convictions, 36 for theft.
“I have to say, one year in prison for €12 worth of sweets – jelly babies! And went back to Dealz and stole another €40 more of sweets,” said the judge, before fining Jessie €250 for the Aldi theft, and a further €500 for the theft from McAuley’s Chemist in Athy.
Ms McManus sought legal aid for Ms Connell.
“At this rate, Ms McManus, she’s going to be very good for your pension!” remarked the judge.
Then it was the turn of Hayley Connell, who faced charges of €20 theft from Aldi, €18 worth of groceries from Pettits, and €6 worth of deli food on dates between May and September.
She has 32 previous convictions, 11 for theft.
“She’s homeless, judge, sleeping by the river, and has a huge addiction to crack cocaine,” said Ms McManus.
“People like her, I’ve known this girl since adolescence, and she can’t seem to beat it,” said the judge, “and this is why the state should crack down on 15A (trafficking)”.
“There are thousands of Hayleys out there, kids who’ve lost everything,” said the judge.
