Andrew Carey
A LIMERICK man has admitted trespassing on private property to collect timber from trees knocked by Storm Darwin last February.
Patrick McNamara (35) of Meadowlands Avenue, Old Cork Road must now complete 40 hours community service in lieu of a two month prison sentence.
Limerick District Court was told that at 9am on February 13 last, the day after Storm Darwin caused extensive damage throughout the country, Mr McNamara was seen near the Kilmurray Lodge Hotel on the Dublin Road collecting timber.
Gardai were told he had no permission to be there and was trespassing.
Defence solicitor John Herbert said his client was collecting timber and when he was asked to stop, he did so and remained there for the Gardaí to arrive. He admitted he had no permission to collect the timber but there was no malice in it.
Judge O’Kelly directed the Probation Services to conduct a suitability report for Mr McNamara to undertake 40 hours community service in lieu of a two month prison sentence for trespassing.
The case was adjourned to June 17.
