DISTRICT COURT ROUND-UP
From our reporter at Sligo Courthouse
Bail granted to murder accused
A 38-year-old man accused of the murder of his mother has been bailed.
Nigel Canavan of Erris Gardens, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Sligo District Court.
The defendant was charged at a previous hearing of the murder of Angela Canavan – his mother – who was found dead at her home in St John's Terrace, Sligo, on May 1, 2023.
Defending solicitor, Gerry McGovern, told the Court that Canavan's father, Freddie, was present to hand over a €4,000 surety.
Judge Connellan granted bail and told Canavan to surrender his passport to the Gardaí and to be fully aware of the conditions imposed upon his bail.
The next hearing of the case will be on February 29 at Sligo District Court.
Defendant makes donation to charity
A man who caught urinating in public at The Mall in Sligo town has been told to make a donation to charity.
Rory McKenna, 22, of Carrowhatta, Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, was charged with urinating in public at The Mall, Sligo, on October 7, 2021.
Sgt Derek Butler told the Court that on the day of the offence, Gardaí observed McKenna with his trousers down and round his ankles.
A fixed charge was applied to the defendant but it went unpaid.
It was disclosed to the Court that McKenna had two previous convictions.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the Court that his client had been a student in Sligo at the time of the offence and that he had been at a party.
Mr MacSharry added that McKenna was embarrassed by his behaviour and now has a new life out in Germany. His client had sent over €200 for the Court to place into a charity of its choosing.
Sgt Butler told Judge Michael Connellan that the money should go to the Sligo Family Resource Centre.
Probation for trespassing
A 24-year-old man who made his way into another person's home and fell asleep on the couch, has been put on probation.
Josh Brady of Cartron Bay, Sligo, was charged last month with trespassing at a property on Fatima Avenue, Sligo, on May 26, 2022 in a manner to cause fear in another person.
Sgt Derek Butler told the Court that the defendant entered the house belonging to the injured party in a state of intoxication and fell asleep on a couch.
The injured party, whose two children were with them, found Brady in his property and contacted the Garda.
When the officers arrived, they found Brady in an intoxicated state and he refused to tell them why he was at the property.
At the previous hearing, Judge Deirdre Gearty had adjourned the case so that the injured party's victim impact statement could be recorded.
However, when the case was next up before the Court, Judge Michael Connellan was told that no victim impact statement was forthcoming.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the Court that his client had been at a party and “got disorientated”.
Mr MacSharry added that Brady is “absolutely mortified” and that he “regrets” his behaviour.
The Probation Act was served on Brady.
Shoplifter learned “valuable lesson”
The solicitor representing a man who stole alcohol from a Mace store in Sligo told the Court that his client has “learnt a valuable lesson”.
Joseph Forde, 63, of Beechlawn Court, Maugheraboy, Sligo, was charged with the theft of alcohol at Mace, Holborn St, Sligo, on March 9, 2023.
His solicitor, Gerry McGovern, told the Court that Forde regretted his actions and would be prepared to pay compensation – even though his current financial circumstances makes it “very hard to get cash”.
Sgt Derek Butler had earlier told the Court that CCTV at the store captured Forde taking alcohol worth €41.50 from the shelf with no attempt made to pay for the items.
Judge Michael Connellan fined Forde €100.
Criminal damage case is adjourned
A 55-year-old man was before the district court charged with damaging the cell of Sligo Garda Station on Pearse Road.
John McLoughlin of The Square, Inwood, Enfield, Co. Meath, was charged with the offence on May 17 2023. The court heard the cost was €150.
Sgt Derek Butler told the Court that prior to McLoughlin's arrest, he had damaged two flower pots which had a combined worth of €200.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the Court that he had paid for the damage to the flower pots and that he will pay the remaining €150 for the damage caused to the Garda cell “within a month”.
Judge Michael Connellan adjourned the case until March 7.
Dangerous driving case heard today
A man who was last week charged at Sligo District Court will reappear at the same venue today (Thursday, February 9).
John Peoples, 55, of Burnside Park, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, was charged with dangerous driving on the N15, Cloyspara, Grange, Co. Sligo, on March 23, 2022.
The book of evidence was served on Peoples with Judge Michael Connellan also serving an alibi warning on the defendant.
Peoples will next appear in Court today (Thursday, February 9).