Joyriding gang member on north side of Cork city jailed
A leading member of a gang on the north side of Cork city who call themselves ‘Farranree Joyriders’ was jailed for 12 months today. Nicholas Crowley pleaded guilty to multiple counts of stealing cars and motorbikes at Cork District Court today.
Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said the young man had difficulties in his past and also had addiction problems. However, the solicitor said the young man was doing well recently in prison following a remand in custody.
Judge Con O’Leary imposed the one-year jail term on the accused after hearing evidence from Detective Garda Pat Barry.
Crowley, aged 20, of 132 Bakers Rd, Gurranabraher, Cork, was arrested under Operation Joyrider — a garda strategy directed at the joyriding problem in Cork where 450 cars and motorbikes were stolen over the past two years.
Crowley admitted numerous charges of the unlawful taking of cars and motorbikes since September last year. Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, submitted a letter written by Crowley to the judge and stressed that the writing was all his own work
After reading it, Judge O’Leary said:
He talks about difficulties in family life and difficulties growing up in the area in which he did. It is well written.
Mr Kelleher agreed and said: “He does show empathy for the victims.”
Judge O’Leary had remanded the accused in custody for sentencing today.
Detective Garda Pat Barry said in the course of a previous bail application: “He is part of a gang calling themselves ‘Farranree Joyriders’.”
