Sentencing of brothers adjourned for two weeks

TWO brothers, one of whom expressed a desire to go to prison for his crimes, have had sentencing adjourned on a series of charges to October 18th.

Ivan (27) and Oisin Gethins (26) of Garavogue Villas pleaded guilty before Judge Kevin Kilrane at last Thursday’s sitting of the District Court where they pleaded guilty.

Oisin Gethins was charged with possession of gloves, hatchet and pilers with the intention of using them in the course of a theft or burglary at Cleveragh Industrial Estate on November 29 th 2017 and with entering Fowley’s garage in Dromahair on November 29 th as a trespasser.

He was also charged with entering the Gala Store in Main Street, Dromahair as a trespasser on February 24 th last. He was also charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Aldi, Sligo on April 27 th.

Ivan Gethins was charged with entering Fowley’s in Dromahair as a trespasser on the same date, theft from Heaton’s, Sligo on March 5 th, not having insurance at Maugheraboy on February 21st and at Castle Cove, Collooney on February 25 th last, at Cleveragh Industrial Estate on November 29 th 2017 and with damaging the wall of the public office at Sligo Garda Station on April 16 th last.

He was also charged with entering the curtilage of the Blue Lagoon as a trespasser on June 11 th and possessing stolen sheep wire at Old Bundoran Road on May 19 th 2016.

He was further charged with entering the County Council Water Services Section at The Gaol as a trespasser on March 25 th last.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne told the court that by and large both defendants were together when the various crimes were committed.

He said there was nothing aggravating about them and Ivan Gethins was found to be driving on occasions and involved in short chases with Gardaí but was subsequently captured. Ivan Gethins has 22 previous convictions while his brother Oisin has 12.

Judge Kilrane said on the face of it Ivan Gethins was facing a lengthy term in prison and wondered if there was “anything wrong with this young fellow” referring to the fact his behaviour in court all day was “strange” in that he had to be constantly told to keep quiet and eventually being told to leave until his case was called.

Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor (defending) said the defendant was feeling a certain level of trepidation coming before the court while the defendant said his medication made him talk loud and he apologised.

Mr Mullaney said it did appear the defendant was going off the rails for a considerable period of time.

Judge KIlrane said Gethins was facing a maximum term of 20 months but was prepared to grant bail with conditions for production of appropriate reports.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) said it was a most unusual situation with the defendants and there was a whiole history to their background.

Some 15 months ago the defendant became a father but there were other influences from another family and the relationship broke up and the defendant hadn’t been himself for the past year or so. This was the second time he had lost his family, said Mr McGovern. They weren’t master criminals, he pleaded.

Oisin Gethins was prepared “to take his medicine today” but this wasn’t a solution, said McGovern. “He just wants to be locked up,” added Mr McGovern. The Judge said the court was not just a factory for throwing people into prison.