Boy saved sister from child snatcher

The exceptional bravery of a 10-year-old boy who clung to the window of a moving 4x4 to rescue his sister has been commended.

The boy’s actions were outlined during the sentencing hearing of Michael Martin, aged 36, of Shandon Court, Yellow Road, Waterford City. He pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of the 11-year-old girl following an incident at Cullohill, Co Laois on March 4.

Garda Anne Marie Deegan told how the 11-year-old girl and her twin brothers were playing at a rural location in Cullohill when they were approached by man driving a 4x4. Portlaoise Circuit Court heard the girl “was picked up and put into the SUV through the driver’s door across [to] the passenger seat”.