Man changes his plea and admits to robbing woman
A 33-year old man has pleaded guilty to robbing a woman of her handbag in Sligo town almost two years ago.
Geoffrey McManus, of Langan Drive, Cranmore, appeared before Judge Francis Comerford at Sligo Circuit Criminal Court last Friday where he pleaded guilty to a single count of robbing Ellen Duignan of her handbag containing €70 cash in a purse at Market Street on 11 th March 11 th.
A jury had been sworn in to hear the case after McManus had pleaded not guilty on the previous Tuesday to two charges arising out of the same incident
Judge Comerford adjourned sentencing in the case to May 29 th next and McManus was remanded on bail.
The Judge thanked the jury of seven women and five men for their attendance before asking them to rejoin the jury panel for the remainder of the court’s current session which will last another two weeks.
McManus was represented by Mr Keith O’Grady BL with Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor.
At the same court, Elliott McGarry pleaded guilty to assaulting Owen McDonald at 58 Caltragh Heights, Sligo on 30 th January 2016.
Mr Keith O’Grady BL, instructed by Mr Mark Mullaney solicitor told Judge Comerford that he is from Sligo originally but now lives and works in the UK.
Mr O’Grady asked that sentencing be adjourned for a short time period to allow for the preparation of a Probatio- Report.
Counsel for the State, Ms Dara Foynes BL, asked also for the preparation of a Victim Impact Statement. Judge Comerford agreed to adjourn sentencing to 8th March for the preparation of both documents.