A TEENAGER who put petrol in a car in Limerick and left without paying for it was identified by a Garda Detective who recognised the car from CCTV footage.
The Detective told Kilmallock District Court that he knew the young man – who can’t be named because he is underage – from community events and initiatives and that he knew the car, which was “associated with a family member of the accused”.
Kilmallock District Court heard evidence from Garda Bride O’Connell that she was called to Moloney’s Service Station in Abbeyfeale where the manager, Anton Russel, said that a car had pulled up at the pumps and a youth got out of the passenger side and filled €46.30 worth of petrol.
He got back in the car and the driver pulled off without paying for the fuel.
The court saw CCTV footage of the event. The accused’s solicitor put it to the Detective that he had only identified the young man because he recognised the car.
“The young man is known to me from community events and initiatives. I would know most of the young lads in the area. I’ve served there for 22 years. I recognised the car. On the day previous to this event, I observed a family member driving this vehicle,” he said.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson said that Garda investigations into any crimes “have to start somewhere” and the Detective “did not nominate any other member of the family. He has been working in this area since before this boy was born”.
Judge Patricia Harney convicted the youth and adjourned sentencing until May 9 to allow for a probation report.
