Nine months for man who failed to pay full compensation or provide samples
A Wexford town man who failed to comply with the payment of compensation in full having pleaded guilty to two related assault charges and one charge of violent disorder has been sentenced to nine months in prison.
Barry Harpur, of 4 Lee Heights, Walnut Grove, had pleaded guilty at a previous sitting of Wexford Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of violent disorder at Monck Street in Wexford, on March 9, 2012.
He had also pleaded guilty to assaulting Emma Carley, causing her serious harm, at Monck Street, on the same date, and also to assaulting Linda O’Hanlon, causing her serious harm, on the same occasion.
Defence Counsel, James Peart, said a medical report before the court showed the defendant suffering from anxiety and depression. He said the defendant had failed to provide urine samples and come up with the full compensations which he was ordered to pay. He said that to date he had paid € 2,800 which left € 2,200 outstanding. If the case could be put back, he would have a further € 100 next week while also paying more each month.
Mr Peart said that Harpur’s partner is expecting another child.
He said that his lack of payments were as a result of him being in a bad place and that his failure to meet his obligations is not motivated by malice as when given a warning it does not seem to stick in his mind.
He is not a hardened criminal but a lamb who need to be looked after and shepherded, said Mr Peart.
Judge Barry Hickson said the Probation Officer who is trying to help him has received little co-operation. Also he has failed to provide urine for analysis.
Mr. Peart said his instructions were that he is two weeks drugs free.
Judge Hickson added that the report shows that Harpur is not motivated to work with the Probation services.
Kevin O’Doherty, State Solicitor, said one of the victims is receiving dental treatment but cannot afford it. She has constantly contacted his office, he said.
Judge Hickson said he did not believe the defendant had made any serious effort to rehabilitate himself.
The judge said he would impose a oneyear prison sentence with the final three months suspended, on the defendant entering a bond of €100 to keep the peace for one year.
‘I’ve done my utmost, but you have failed to co-operate,’ said Judge Hickson.