Stay off alcohol or face six months in jail – judge

James Connors (35) from 55 Assumption Terrace in New Ross was given a choice at the District Court by Judge Gerard Haughton.

He was told to stay off drink or face the prospect of going to jail for six months.

Connors was at Wexford District Court to deal with four charges of being drunk in public, an offence for which the court may impose a fine.

He also admitted breaking a window at the family home in Assumption Terrace, from which he was barred at the time as a condition of bail.

And he pleaded guilty too to stealing a bottle of Clontarf whiskey from his local Aldi supermarket.

The judge pointed out that criminal damage and theft are offences which may be dealt with on conviction with imprisonment.

Appearing for the father of two, solicitor Lana Doherty traced all her client’s problems back to his constant drinking.

Connors had issues with alcohol when as young as 15, she reported.

He had since gone into rehab about five times but the drink had left him with liver problems.

Ms Doherty was happy to report that the defendant had resolved matters with his wife, who sat beside him through the court hearing.

Judge Haughton imposed concurrent six month sentences for the theft and the criminal damage.

However, both terms were suspended once Connors signed a bond undertaking not to consume alcohol.

He also agreed not to enter any premises where drink is sold.