Tuam court refuses Glinsk PO attempted armed robbery case

A JUDGE at Tuam District Court refused to hear a case against two men accused of attempted armed robbery at Glinsk Post office because the charge was too serious. Judge Geoffrey Browne expressed annoyance that the DPP had referred this case back to his Court instead of to the Circuit Criminal Court. The two accused, William Hamilton and Eamon Brennan, both with addresses at Knockagonnell, Ballymoe, face charges of attempted robbery at Glinsk PO on June 17 last. The Court was told Hamilton entered the PO with his face covered and demanded money from a female behind the counter. He was unsuccessful and fled the scene. He had a knife in his possession when arrested later by Gardai.[private] Judge Browne said he didn't know what the DPP expected him to do with a case like this but he wasn't hearing it. It was far too serious a matter. On separate and unrelated charges Hamilton pleaded guilty to charges relating to two burglaries and one theft. On January 14 last Gardai responded to a report of houses being broken into the Ballymoe area. Hamilton was later arrested and items stolen from the houses were found in his possession. He admitted he had stolen them. Judge Browne asked if the houses in question had been occupied at the time and was told they had been. Insp Brendan Carroll said there had been no confrontation with the householders. They had been asleep and heard noise. When they went to investigate, Hamilton fled. Hamilton is 26 and a chronic heroin addict, the Court was told. He has 26 previous convictions. Originally from Kildare, he moved to Ballymoe because his grandmother is from the area. 'What about the poor people living in the houses. Will they be able to sleep for the rest of their lives without the fear of someone breaking in,' Judge Browne said before imposing an 18-month prison sentence. The Glinsk PO case was adjourned. Hamilton's co-accused in the Glinsk PO case, Eamon Brennan, pleaded guilt to stealing copper and other items from a building site at Castletown, Glinsk on June 11 last. He was also charged with possession of a small quantity of cannabis. A three-month prison sentence was imposed for the scrap theft which was suspended for two years. A €100 fine for possession of cannabis was also imposed.[/private]