Man who had knife in stolen car in Laois asked to be jailed

A man who had a knife and hammer in a stolen car in an estate in Portlaoise asked for a prison sentence at Portlaoise District Court. 

James Rowan, 45, of 84 Glebe Lands, Athy, Co Kildare asked to remain in prison in relation to the incident at Glen Downs, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise on April 9, 2023. 

The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of a knife and the unlawful taking of a car at Glen Downs on April 9, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardaí observed the male acting suspiciously in the vehicle at around 6pm on the date in question. They discovered the car had been stolen in Clonakilty, Co Cork and the defendant was found to be in possession of a knife and a lump hammer. 

Sgt Kirby said the man, who had 38 previous convictions, was arrested and was cooperative with gardaí.

A barrister for the accused said his client was currently on remand in Cloverhill Prison. 

“He has a heroin addiction and has been doing quite well in Cloverhill,” the barrister said. 

“He has pleaded guilty and he is hoping to get a sentence,” he added. 

“There is a chance I will get bail tomorrow and I don’t want that,” the defendant told Judge Nicola Andrews. 

Judge Andrews said the nature of the charges before the court were very serious. She noted the defendant had received suspended sentences in the past. “Unfortunately they haven’t deterred you,” she remarked. 

Judge Andrews sentenced the man to three months in prison for unlawfully taking the car and three months for possessing the knife. She said the sentences were to run concurrently.