Fraud accused is sent for Circuit Court trial

wanted to make a public apology. Judge Gearty said she was “not going to be swayed by people coming in saying they were sorry. We’re all sorry.”

“His offences are graduating, going up incrementally. What does he do with himself ?” she asked Mr MacSharry.

Sweeney replied that he had started a Tourism and Cultural Studies course but left because “it wasn’t my kettle of fish” and said he would like to do welding.

Judge Gearty said there was “oodles of work” for welders and suggested to Sweeney he could get himself onto an apprenticeship if there was one which took his fancy. “The world is your oyster, Mark. That ould drinking is for the birds. It’s just getting you into trouble,” she told him and said the Probation Services could steer him into a situation where he was using his time more productively and if he “earned a few pounds that’s even better”.

She adjourned sentencing to April 4, 2024, for Probation and Welfare Reports to be carried out. “I can’t encourage you enough. Give it a shot,” she told Sweeney.

Probation Act for cannabis possession

A young woman has received the benefit of the Probation Act after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis.

Emma Collery (21) of Ross Road, Riverstown, Co. Sligo, was charged with possession of cannabis herb valued at €20 at 71 Glencarrig, Ballinode on September 29, 2022.

She pleaded guilty to the offence before Judge Deirdre Gearty at Sligo District Court last week.

The court heard Collery has no previous convictions. Mr John Anderson, defending, told the court that his client had €150 in court. Judge Gearty applied the Probation Act to Collery after she donated the money to Sligo Cancer Support Centre.

A woman accused of attempting fraud in relation to a road traffic accident has been sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Sligo Circuit Criminal Court.

Winifred Ward (35) of Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, is accused of attempting to make a gain by deception at Cloonkeevy, Ballymote on 15 January 2018.

A book of evidence was served on her before Judge Deirdre Gearty at Sligo District Court last week. Ward was given an alibi warning and returned for trial on the same bail conditions to the January 23 sitting of Sligo Circuit Criminal Court at 10.30am.

Legal aid was granted, along with two Counsel for trial.