Mechanic tried to burn out ex-employer’s truck

David Simo (22) of 207 Rosan Glas, Rahoon, pleaded guilty at Galway District Court to attempted arson at a premises on the Headford Road on December 7th last year.

Inspector Ernie White said Gardai received a call that Simo was caught attempting to set fire to the injured party’s truck.

The injured party told them Simo was caught inside the cab of his truck by another man. He had sprinkled petrol around inside the cab and was attempting to set it on fire when caught.

Judge Mary Fahy said the offence of arson was a very serious one. The truck, she said, could have blown up and injured people.

Simo, the court was told, had six previous convictions for road traffic offences and one public order matter.

Defence solicitor, John Martin, said his client was a Slovakian national who loved cars and had worked at several garages around the city gaining experience. He had been promised €10 an hour at the garage in question, but was never paid.

Mr Martin said his client had worked weekends and was owed €5,500.

Inspector White said the injured party was not very forthcoming but he did admit to Gardai that he owed Simo money.

Mr Martin said his client had €250 in court to pay for the damage to the cab.

Judge Fahy said the accused could have taken a civil claim to get his money and not resort to one of the most serious of offences, which is arson.

The judge directed Simo carry out 140 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence.