Archive - Eight sentences in marathon court session in Kilkenny (1973)

In one of the heaviest court sittings in Kilkenny in recent years, a record number of eight jail sentences ranging from six to 12 months were imposed in the city on Tuesday.

During the marathon court session, which lasted from 11am until 7.30pm, with only a short lunch break, no fewer than 61 criminal cases and road traffic offences, in addition to the civil list, came up for hearing.

Concern over possible 'sinkhole' in housing estate in Kilkenny

Charges ranged from robbery with violence and assault through a wide variety of motoring offences, to the possession of the drug cannabis (Indian hemp).

Jail sentences of six months were given in cases where cars were taken without the consent of their owners; in one instance a defendant was, in addition, fined £28, ordered to pay £900 in compensation within two years and disqualified from driving for five years.

Robbery with violence earned sentences of 12 months and nine months, while sentences in assault cases ranged from six to 12 months.

After the court, notices of appeal were given in a number of cases. These will be coming up for hearing at the next sitting of the Circuit Court in June.

Throughout the day the city courtroom was packed to capacity. In addition to those who crammed every available seat, about 50 people stood at the back of the room and choked the passageways.

ALL CLEAR FOR RUGBY CLUB
The decision last week by Kilkenny Co Council to grant outline planning permission to Kilkenny rugby club for its new ground and clubhouse on the Waterford Road has been welcomed by members of the rugby club and sportsmen everywhere.

Outline planning provides for two full-sized pitches and one junior pitch, while the clubhouse will include a members’ lounge and function hall together with changing rooms and showers.

As well as providing players with modern facilities the clubhouse will provide a meeting place for older members who have, until now, lacked a proper centre to meet and discuss club activities.

SOCCER FEVER
Graignamanagh is soccer mad at the moment as local club Highview Athletic prepare for their first ever McCalmont Cup final on Sunday.

Last year the hurlers and the footballers won the county finals for the first time. The question being asked on all sides now is will the soccer players emulate these feats in the big game against Mooncoin at St James’s Park.