Seven Years For Men Who Set Speed Van Alight

Two 20-year-old Wexford men who set fire to a speed van while the operator was inside have been given seven-year suspended prison sentences.

Martin Gowan and Darragh Byrne, both from Gorey, Co Wexford, pleaded guilty to causing damage by fire to a speed van, which was the property of Road Safety Operations Ireland, on March 13 2011, when they appeared before Judge Thomas Teehan at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.

Prosecuting counsel Philip Sheahan told the court that both defendants had pleaded guilty to the offences at a previous sitting of the court.

The court heard how the operator of the van, John McDonald, was inside carrying out speed checks when he suddenly smelled something burning.

He escaped through the side of the van unharmed but was clearly shocked when he realised the vehicle had been set alight, the court was told.

Hearing that the two accused had been involved in volunteer work and charity fundraising, Judge Teehan said he was satisfied there was genuine remorse and both had apologised.

He imposed a sentence of seven years in prison but would suspend the seven years sentence for seven years on condition that both defendants enter a bond of €100 to keep the peace for seven years.

“You can consider yourselves very lucky.

“Your liberty for seven years is now in your own hands,” Judge Teehan told the defendants.

(H)