Galway Bay FM News Archives
Jail for woman who robbed girls (13) and kicked them in face
Date Published: 30-May-2011
A woman who knocked two 13 years old schoolgirls to the ground, where she kicked them to the face and robbed one of her phone, was sentenced to 18 months in prison when she came before Galway District Court yesterday.
Josephine Mongan (22), with an address at 24 Gaelcarraig Park, Newcastle, had pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and with being drunk in public at Old Monivea Road on April 12 last.
Her co-accused, Joanna Crawford (21), with addresses at 47 Corrach Bui, Rahoon, and 20 Gilmartin Road, Tuam, pleaded guilty to robbery and with being threatening and abusive, and drunk, in public on the same occasion.
As she was being led away from the court by five Gardaí the mother of three shouted: “Sort the two little whores out.”Garda Denise Kellegher told the court that the two defendants approached the injured parties, who were dressed in school uniforms at the time, looking for cigarettes on the date in question.
When they replied that they had none, and as they attempted to get away, Mongan pulled one of them to the ground, causing her mobile phone to fall out.The two women became very aggressive, and demanded cigarettes and money. Mongan then turned her attention to the second school girl, also knocked her to the ground, and kicked both to their stomach and face. She emptied the second girl’s schoolbag onto the ground looking for her mobile phone, but did not find one. She then produced a broken bottle from inside her jacket and threatened both with it.
The teenagers fled to the home of one of their brothers. He took them out in his car to find the women, who were subsequently arrested.
The defendants were in such an intoxicated state at the time of arrest – having consumed a cocktail of drugs and alcohol – that a doctor said they could not be questioned for six hours.
The court heard that Mongan had 18 previous convictions, among them numerous for theft, for which she received prison sentences.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy imposed a nine month prison sentence each for the theft charges, and took the third matter into account.
Hearing that Crawford had 17 previous convictions, including those for assault, theft and public order – for which she received a suspended sentence in December – Judge McCarthy remanded the defendant in custody to appear before the Judge who imposed the penalty, Judge Mary Fahy, on June 8.
Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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