DISTRICT COURT ROUND-UP
From our reporter at Sligo Courthouse
Defendant stole he was drunk and had no money
A 53-year-old man told gardaí he took a bottle of stout from a supermarket because he was drunk and didn’t have any money.
Thomas Walsh (53), of Fatima Avenue, Sligo, pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol worth €28 at Tesco, O’Connell Street, Sligo, on August 18, 2022. Sergeant Ciaran Naughton told the court that gardaí were called to Tesco on August 18 in relation to a theft.
A man had entered the supermarket, took stout to the value of €28 and proceeded past all payment points before he was intercepted by Tesco staff.
When gardaí arrived, they arrested him and he explained:
“I was drunk and didn’t have any money.” When he was charged with the offence he replied: “Guilty as charged.”
The court heard he had 33 previous offences – the most recent was in February 2020 for theft when he was fined €50.
Mr John Anderson, defending, told the court his client was in recovery at the time and was dealing with depression. He had limited income and had secured part-time employment. The goods were fully recovered and fit for resale. He had apologised and made full admissions. He entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.
He had brought a sum of money to court and hoped the judge might deal with it in terms of a fine. Mr Walsh told the court he hadn’t drank alcohol in six weeks and the solicitor said he had not come to the attention of the Gardaí since.
The judge remanded Mr Walsh on continuing bail until May 25, 2023, for finalisation. An intoxication charge at Norbert Ferguson Parade on September 25, 2021, was withdrawn.
Woman assaulted by mother and daughter
A local court heard that a mother and daughter followed another woman out of a pub threatening to kill her before pulling her to the ground and kicking her in the stomach.
Before Sligo District Court were Teresa Sweeney (56), and Alisha Sweeney (21), both of Glendallon, Sligo, who were both charged with assault causing harm of Patricia Keane outside the Village Inn, Cartron Point, on December 8, 2019. Sergeant Ciaran Naughton told the court that the complainant called to Sligo Garda Station with her two daughters and was visibly upset. She told them she was outside the Village Inn when a fight erupted between her and the two Sweeney women.
She received cuts to her knuckles, bruising above her right eye, clumps of her hair were pulled out, and she had to attend Sligo University Hospital.
She made a statement of complaint saying she was followed out of the pub by Teresa Sweeney and Alisha
Sweeney whom she heard saying “Teresa let me out – I am going to kill her”.
The assault occurred at the entrance to the car park where she was pulled to the ground and both women kicked her in the stomach. The assault lasted a few moments with Teresa shouting “let me at her daughter,” and was traumatic for Ms Keane.
The court heard that Teresa Sweeney had a previous conviction at Sligo District Court from
May 2010. Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, said he knew the family well and the argument had started with their children.
The women had been exceptionally good friends who had holidayed together, and relations were “civil” now. Teresa was in her mid-50s and had been through “one of the most difficult battles in life someone can have’’ and the incident was very regrettable with alcohol involved. She and her daughter had fully co-operated with gardaí and wanted to apologise to Ms Keane. They had €500 each in court by way of compensation and as “an expression of genuine remorse” for the injured party, and it was in her hands as to what she wanted to do. Alisha was expecting her first child and deeply regretted the whole situation. The mother of a former friend was the injured party.
Judge Sandra Murphy said it was a very serious incident and an assault. The victim had found it difficult to sleep after the attack – she had superficial skin erosions, multiple soft tissue injuries and had been kicked several times into the head and face. She had swelling over her right eye and cuts to her hands. It was a serious assault by two people against one. The fact Teresa had a previous conviction changed the situation and the judge didn’t think ordering a probation report on the two defendants would change anything. She adjourned the matter until November 17 for finalisation.
Took cocaine because of death in his family
Sligo District Court heard a man told gardaí when he was caught drug driving, he had taken cocaine because his grandmother had died. Jordan Myers (23), of Rosewood Court, Maugheraboy, was charged with drug driving at Ash Lane, Sligo, on September 28, 2021.
Gardaí observed a red Ford Focus driving on The Mall with no lights on. When they stopped the vehicle, it had no tax displayed, and the driver identified himself. He was cautioned and asked had he been drinking to which he admitted taking cocaine because there was a death in the family. A roadside test was positive for the drug, and he was conveyed to Ballymote Garda Station where he was found to have cocaine in his system.
Defending solicitor, Mark Mullaney,
said his client was 23 years-old with no previous convictions. He had fully co-operated with Gardaí and admitted everything at the earliest opportunity. Prior to that date, his grandmother to whom he was very close died. He had struggled with mental health issues and started using drugs which he regretted now. He knew he had brought shame upon himself and his family. He and his wife had a joint income with two children.
Noting no previous convictions, his mitigation and assurance he would take no illegal substances going forward, Judge Sandra Murphy fined him €250 granting him six months to pay and disqualifying him from driving for one year.
Judge said defendant had “turned a corner”
A judge told a man who was now clean and sober after a drug driving incident, that he seemed to have turned a corner.
Maciej Wieczorek (41), of Shalamar Hostel, Sligo, was charged with drug driving at First Sea Road, Strandhill Road, on February 21, 2021. He was also charged with possession of cannabis at the same location and on the same date.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, reminded the court the matter had been adjourned for monitoring and his client was to produce a medical report.
The man was now clean and sober, and he was adamant he was getting away from that lifestyle. He was now working and enjoying it.
To his credit, he said the defendant had overcome his issues. He had indicated an early plea and checked in with the solicitor on a regular basis. He was not driving and wouldn’t be for the foreseeable future.
Judge Sandra Murphy said the defendant seemed to have “turned a corner” which was borne out by his report. Saying she gave him “full credit for what he’s done in the circumstances,” she convicted him and imposed a fine of €250 granting him three months to pay and disqualifying him from driving for one year. She took into account the possession of drugs charge.
Gardaí had to pepper-spray man during arrest
A local court heard a man who was visiting his ex-partner and son on Christmas Day and refused to leave, had apologised to members of the gardaí.
Koza Zbigniew (39), of Parklands, Tubbercurry, and now residing in Poland was charged with obstructing a garda during the course of their duty on December 25, 2020. Gardaí were called to the address responding to a report of an intoxicated male who was refusing to leave.
When they attended the scene, they met Mr Zbigniew who was physically threatening to them and others resident in the house. He was subsequently arrested and brought to Ballymote Garda Station and during his arrest had to be pepper sprayed.
The court also heard he attended Ballymote Garda Station to apologise to members and investigating garda, and Garda McDaid was happy to accept the apology.
Defending solicitor, Mr Tom MacSharry, said his client was at his ex-partner’s house with whom he had a child. It was 1.40am on Christmas Day and the incident happened when he was invited to spend the day with her, and relations were good. This was a turning point for him, and he hadn’t taken alcohol since. He had now decided to go back to Poland.
The matter was very much in the court’s hands, he had a sum of money with him. Mr Zbigniew said in court that he apologised to anyone in that situation and that on the night he just wanted to stay with his son.
The court heard he had three previous convictions – the most recent was at Sligo District Court in November 2011, and two others for intoxication in a public place. Judge Sandra Murphy convicted and fined him €300, payable forthwith.
Jailed for drug possession offences
A local court heard that a 33-yearold man on drugs charges was
anxious to be an active member of society and provide for his child. Graham Snee (33), of Innisfree Court, Sligo, was before Sligo District Court charged with possession of cannabis at Innisfree Court on August 29, 2021. He was also charged with possession of cocaine at the same address on March 13, 2021.
The defendant was also charged with drug driving at N15, Cartron Point, Sligo, on January 28, 2021, as well as drug driving at Teeling Street, Ballymote, on December 29, 2020. A further charge of drug driving at Ballydrehid on March 15, 2021, was also before the court.
The court heard Mr Snee was currently serving 14 months on a circuit court matter for sale and supply of drugs and had a release date of April 2024. He had seven previous convictions, including three for possession of drugs.
Defending, Ms Kathleen Henry, said her client had a one-year-old boy who had issues with his kidney. He had been drug free since his son was born, and was anxious to engage with probation services and be “out and about as an active member of society providing for his child”. He had done a level four qualification in cookery as well as technical graphics courses. He was cleaning in the prison and also studying in the evenings. He was sorry for his actions.
In relation to the two drugs possession charges, Judge Sandra Murphy sentenced Mr Snee to one month in prison on the cocaine charge, and two months in prison on the cannabis one.
In relation to the Cartron Point drug driving offence, he received a four-month sentence, with 12 months suspended, as well as a one-year disqualification on his licence.
On the Ballymote drug driving, he received a four-month sentence with a two-year disqualification on his licence. On the Ballydrehid drug driving, he was handed down a fourmonth sentence with a two-year disqualification on his licence.
Motorist driving under influence had child in car
A local court heard evidence that a man was driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis with an 11-year-old child in the rear seat of his car.
Conor Cox (22), of Willow Park, Maugheraboy, appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at Sligo District Court for sentencing where he pleaded guilty to three driving offences.
Sergeant Ciaran Naughton told the court that on September 21, 2021, Gardaí observed a silver Volkswagen Golf travelling on the main Sligo-Bundoran
road in the direction of Sligo town. Having overtaken a line of traffic at speed, the vehicle failed to stop at a red traffic light at a junction and attempted to get away from Gardaí. It continued at speed and failed to stop for Gardaí.
The car was eventually stopped at Michael Conlon Road, and moments later the garda was able to turn off the engine.
The defendant who was identified as Conor Cox was arrested and became aggressive. There were two passengers in the car at the time including an 11-year-old child in the rear seat.
The front seat passenger was a female first cousin. The defendant was under the influence of alcohol and tested at the garda station where the presence of cocaine and cannabis were detected.
Sgt Naughton said Mr Cox had 57 previous convictions – the most recent was at Sligo Circuit Court in October 2020 when he was sentenced to three years in prison, with oneyear suspended for robbery.
He was currently serving a prison sentence at Castlerea prison. Defending solicitor, Mr John Anderson, told the court he was in custody, and on that basis there was no application for bail in relation to these charges. Judge Francis Comerford had confirmed at a recent sitting of Sligo Circuit Court that Mr Cox’s sentence was to end on August 7, 2023.
The solicitor said his client had an “appalling” record and accepted that. He recently became the father of a 12-week-old baby boy which had a sobering impact on him and he wanted to be there for his child. In relation to his previous convictions, two were for driving without insurance and three in 2017 were driving related.
He was disqualified from driving for eight years in February 2020 and was currently serving a prison sentence at Castlerea.
Judge Sandra Murphy noted he had made guilty pleas on three counts, including drug driving, no insurance and driving without a driving licence, however, she said she would have to adjourn the matter to check with TUSLA for clarification in relation to the child in the car on the night in question saying “it was extremely frightening for the child, and very aggressive”.
Solicitor said client was “one of the worst alcoholics”
A man with more than 150 previous convictions was described by his solicitor at Sligo District Court “as one of the worst alcoholics” he had ever come across
Ciaran Carney (38), of Maryville Hostel, Sligo, appeared for sentencing at the court on a number of public order charges.
He was charged with the unlawful possession of a pedal cycle without the consent of An Garda Síochána on January 31, 2022.
He was also charged with failing to comply with Gardaí at Tobergal Lane on May 3, 2022. Intoxication charges included one at Rockwood Parade on January 28, 2022, and at O’Connell Street on April 21, 2022, Stephen Street car park on April 22, 2022, and April 14, 2022, and also at Stephen Street on May 10, 2022. Defending solicitor, Mr John Anderson, told the court his client was one of the worst alcoholics he had ever come across, and asked Judge Sandra Murphy to take that into consideration when sentencing him.
The court heard the defendant was in custody since October 15, 2022 and was refused bail while in custody in Cork.
Judge Murphy said the man’s alcoholism has brought him into serious and persistent offending.
The judge also noted he had previous 158 convictions, including 15 for theft.
He also had 17 previous convictions for failure to appear offences. She sentenced him to a total of six months in prison with two months’ suspended.
Mr Anderson said he was most grateful to the court.