DISTRICT COURT ROUND-UP

From our reporter at Sligo Courthouse

Murder suspect further remanded in custody

A 38-year-old man charged with murder has been further remanded into custody.

Nigel Canavan, of Erris Gardens, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Sligo District Court charged with the murder of his mother, Angela Canavan.

Mrs Canavan, a mother of two from Co. Mayo, had been resident at St John’s Terrace in Sligo for the last six years.

Her body had been discovered at her home on the evening of May 1 last year.

The accused, who appeared via video-link from Castlerea Prison, confirmed his name to the court.

Sergeant Derek Butler told the court this was the first remand date.

Judge Connellan remanded the accused in custody to appear via videolink at Sligo District Court on February 1.

Fine for learner who drove without L plates

A 22-year-old man who drove without learner L-plates has been fined.

Cian Warde-Kearns of Athenry Road, Tuam, Co. Galway, was charged with non display of L-plates on the N17.

The Court heard that on March

31, 2023, at 11.17am, Garda stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant.

It was revealed that he was not a holder of a full driving licence with the vehicle having no L-plates to highlight to others on the road that he was not a fully licenced driver.

It was also disclosed to the Court that since the arrest for this incident, Wade-Kearns had received a driving conviction that ensured he was disqualified from the road.

Judge Michael Connellan fined Wade-Kearn €150.

Motorist fined for no insurance and road tax

A 29-year-old has dodged losing his driver’s licence but was heavily fined instead.

Ian Harte of Corn Mill Park, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, was charged with no insurance at Carrickrathmullen, Ballymote, on August 8, 2022.

The Court heard that at 5.35pm on the day in question, a Vauxhall Astra car was stopped by Garda.

It was discovered that the car’s road tax was out of date and had no insurance. No documents to prove otherwise were offered by the defendant.

Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry told the Court that at the time, his client was in financial difficulties and did manage to get the vehicle insured two days after the incident.

Mr MacSharry added that his client accepts this is a very serious matter and is “at the mercy of this Court”.

Judge Michael Connellan told Harte that while he would not impose a disqualification, he would be fining him a sum of €750.

Case adjourned for youths charged with assault

Four male youths who were before Sligo District Court charged with assault on Halloween night last year had their case adjourned by Judge Michael Connellan.

The youths, three of whom are aged 15 and one 14 - all of whom cannot be named for legal reasons - are charged with assault at the Applegreen Service Station on the Mail Coach Road on October 31, 2023.

Two of the 15-year-olds are charged with assaulting a youth causing him harm.

The 14-year-old youth is charged with assaulting another youth and also engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

The third 15-year-old is charged with assaulting the same youth and also engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

The four youths, all with addresses in Sligo town, had their case adjourned to April.

Sergeant Derek Butler said they were awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Became aggressive after refusing to leave courtroom

A 42-year-old man who was before Sligo District Court last was subsequently arrested for a Public Order breach.

Peter Kelly, Glendallon, Ballytivnan, Sligo, was charged with intoxication and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Sligo District Court on January 18.

The defendant had been asked to leave the Court but refused to do so and became aggressive with three Gardai having to restrain him – with one Garda being pushed against the wall.

Kelly was escorted out from the Court.

Upon Kelly’s return, Gda David Finnerty of Sligo Garda Station said he arrested the defendant for a Public Order breach.

The case was adjourned to February

24.

Driver receives two fines for motoring offences

A Cranmore man has received a double-dose of €300 fines.

James Scanlon of Yeats Drive, Cranmore, Sligo, who was charged with parking on double yellow lines and not having tax at Abbey Street on March 16, 2023.

Gda David Hannon of Sligo Garda Station told the court a fixed charge penalty notice was not paid.

Judge Michael Connellan fined him €300 for each offence – a total of €600.