Teenager imprisoned for a week after breaching bail

A teenager has been sent to prison for a week for breaching his bail conditions.

John Sweeney (18) with addresses given at Millbrook Apartments, Riverside and Rathbraughan Park was on Circuit Court bail when it’s alleged he was drunk and failed to comply with Gardaí at Riverside on September 2nd.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne told Judge Kevin Kilrane that on the night in question, Gardaí were called to a disturbance between a mother and her son at Millbrook.

He said Sweeney was directed to leave by the Gardaí at 4am.

Gardaí then got another call at 4.20am from his mother to say he was back.

It was alleged he began removing his clothes and Gardaí became very concerned he would enter the nearby water and so arrested him for his own safety.

He was subsequently charged with being intoxicated in public and failing to comply with the directions of Gardaí.

Inspector Kilcoyne pointed out that by being drunk, Sweeney had breached his bail condi- tions, one of which ordered him to refrain from drinking alcohol.

Judge Kilrane said it was only an allegation and hadn’t been proved, but considered the evidence against him “would be fairly clear”.

Mr Tom MacSharry, defending, said his client had pleaded guilty to “a very serious charge in the Circuit Court” and knew that his only opportunity to avoid prison was to co-operate with the Probation Services.

“He told me that he would be pleading guilty, he’s very close to his mother, this is the last thing she needs,” he added.

John Sweeney said to the judge: “I’m very sorry. I’ve apologised to my mother”.

Judge Kilrane pointed out to Sweeney that it was a bail condition that he refrain from alcohol.

“You’re facing a very serious charge. You breached bail. You knew that this case was coming up yet you’re out of your mind with drink on 2nd of September,” he told Sweeney.

He remanded him in custody to this Thursday 21st September to think about what he would do with him.