A Co Meath man given a suspended sentence for manslaughter in 1996 was ordered to serve the jail term yesterday after a judge heard he had turned to drug-taking and had committed a "string of offences" since then.
Patrick Carry (20), of Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was given a six-year suspended sentence by Mr Justice Budd in May 1996 after a jury at the Central Criminal Court convicted him of manslaughter.
The judge imposed a six-year sentence but suspended it on condition Carry entered a bond to keep the peace.
Carry was found guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Tony Kenny (17), of Tromra Road, Granard, Co Longford, at Carrickatober, Crosskeys, Co Cavan, on March 6th, 1994.
The trial heard that Mr Kenny died following a fight with Carry outside the Carrig Springs disco in Co Cavan on March 6th, 1994. Carry admitted in evidence that he had hit and kicked Mr Kenny after a fight broke out.
Yesterday Mr Justice Budd was told Carry had been convicted subsequently of robbery, larceny, assault and criminal damage offences and had received two terms of nine months' imprisonment.
The judge said he had heard favourable character evidence and Carry had been offered a chance. However, the court had been "kicked in the teeth", and he had no option but to activate the sentence.
He agreed to review the case in May 2000 and recommended that Carry receive treatment for his drug problem as well as the opportunity of vocational training.
The judge heard that Carry had started abusing cocaine, ecstasy and heroin.