Constantly before court

A 38-year-old man was constantly coming back before the court, Judge Kevin Kilrane stated.

Stephen Conlon of Willow Park, Maugheraboy was charged with being intoxicated on November 18th 2019 at Abbey Street. Defending solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern said the problem with his client is getting suitable accommodation. He praised his mother, who was in court, for ‘ loving him dearly’, cooking him food and being by his bedside when he was seriously ill in hospital and said he still has serious injuries and is seeking help with consultants.

He indicated there may be somewhere run by Mr Aubrey Melville of Social Groundforce that could offer accommodation when he is released from prison.

Mr McGovern said there were a number of men like the defendant who were not safe on the streets with all of the hostels closed down now.

Judge Kilrane said Conlon keeps coming back before the court and he asked him if he is getting any addiction treatment in prison. Conlon replied that with the Covid-19 restrictions, they don’t even get out to the yard but confirmed he was on a methadone treatment.

Judge Kilrane said he had a ‘shocking history’ ranging from minor to not so minor. Mr McGovern said his client has been in custody since January on another matter and was due out in a few weeks. The public order charge was taken into consideration.

The judge said there was perhaps enough time to make some arrangement for a place to stay for the defendant in the meantime.