Andrew Carey
A LIMERICK man who jumped out the window of Mayorstone Garda Station while he was consulting with his solicitor, told Gardaí “I had to get away from ye”.
Gerard McCarthy (23) of Sexton Street North, Thomondgate appeared at Limerick Circuit Court last week on charges of escaping from custody and causing criminal damage to the Garda Station on September 13, 2014, and the possession of a knife when he was recaptured the following day.
McCarthy was having a private consultation with his solicitor John Devane when “he opted for the panic action while under the influence of drugs” to jump out the window after forcing it open.
Garda Chris Brennan said that McCarthy was arrested shortly after noon on September 13 but was deemed medically unfit for interview due to intoxication.
Seven hours later he met with his solicitor, John Devane and while they were in private consultation, McCarthy forced the window open and fled from custody.
Gardai saw the top of his head as he ran from the building as Mr Devane alerted them to his client’s escape from the interview room.
He was seen the next day cycling in the vicinity of the station but fled to his house and escaped out the back door when Gardaí gave chase. He was found hiding under a bush a short distance away.
A knife was found in his pocket but he claimed that Garda Brennan found it in the grass.
Defence Counsel Jack Nicholas said that his client apologised for his actions but told them that he “had to get away” in what was a “panic action while under the influence of drugs”.
He had 79 previous convictions and was in custody since last week. He served several periods of time in custody but continues to reoffend.
Details of “troubling personal circumstances and family history” were outlined to the court including the fact that he was in foster care from a young age.
Stating that while he accepted that McCarthy was a chronic heroin addict, Judge Tom O’Donnell said it was a “brazen escape from custody and ironic that it occurred when he was left for a consultation with his solicitor.”
He imposed a sentence of 18 months imprisonment for both offences.
