Fine for man who headbutted victim in pub

A 53-year-old man has been fined for an assault that took place inside a pub.

Douglas Leggate, 53, of Ballinden, Ballyconnell, Maugherow, pleaded guilty at Sligo District Court to assault.

Sgt Derek Butler told the Court that on September 24, 2022 at 11pm, an argument took place outside

Yeats Pub in Rathcormack between the defendant and the injured party.

The injured party flicked a cigarette at Leggate and went back inside the pub.

Leggate followed the injured party back in and head-butted the victim.

Defence solicitor, Mark Mullaney, told the court that this was “an unfortunate situation” and that their was “history between the two”. He added that Leggate regrets what happened and that the injured party has “nothing to fear” from him.

Judge Michael Connellon fined Leggate €500.

Defendant given final chance to ‘stay off the drink’

A 33-year-old man who stole alcohol from the shops on two separate occasions has been warned that he is on his “final chance”.

Ben Msamange, 33, of Globe House, Chapel Hill, pleaded guilty at Sligo District Court to two counts of theft.

Sgt Derek Butler told the Court that on December 14, 2022 at 12.25 pm, CCTV footage from Dunnes store showed Msamange putting bottles of Jameson’s whisky (€44), Smirnoff Vodka (€35) as well as a pizza (€5.89) into his rucksack and walking out without paying.

Sgt Butler added that on March 11, 2023, Msamange stole a 70cl bottle of cognac (€22.79) from Aldi supermarket on Cranmore Road.

It was disclosed to the court that Msamange has seven previous convictions.

Defence solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the court that his client has made moves to address his issues with alcohol and has been off it for six months. He added that Msamange was building a new life for himself in Wicklow.

Judge Michael Connellan told Msamange: “You got one final chance. However, come back to this Court and a different view will be taken. Stay of the drink.”

Msamange was handed down fines totalling €300.

Drug user told to live his life properly

A 21-year-old man received fines that stretched to four figures for the possession of cannabis.

Wayne Doyle of Stella Maris, Ballisodare, pleaded guilty at Sligo District Court to two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Sgt Derek Butler told the court that on May 15, 2022, a search by Garda of the defendant’s home discovered cannabis up to the value of €3500. Doyle made full admissions and said that he was selling to pay for his own addiction to cannabis.

Sgt Butler added that on July 6, 2023, another Garda search of Doyle’s home found €60 worth of