DISTRICT COURT ROUND-UP
From our reporter at Sligo District Court
Woman told “your destiny is in your hands”
A 29-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a raft of charges ranging from public intoxication, breach of the peace and theft has been given a final warning from the Judge.
Sarah Brady of Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, was at Sligo District Court to answer to nine counts of intoxication in a public place, three counts of a breach of the peace and four counts of theft.
The offences took place over a period between November 5, 2022 and February 2, 2024.
With regard to the theft cases, Sgt Derek Butler told the court that on November 5, 2022, Brady stole a one litre bottle of Smirnoff vodka from Tesco in Sligo worth €30.
On November 11, 2022, Brady again stole from Tesco – this time taking a loaf of bread and chocolates with a combined worth of €11.48.
Sgt Butler continued to tell the court that on February 20, 2023, Brady stole two bottles of wine from Tesco worth a total of €30, one bottle of beer (€3) and two chocolate bars (€2).
The following day, Brady went into Lidl’s in Finisklin and stole three bottles of wine totalling €23.97.
Defence solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the court that this was “a sad situation” with his client “falling in with the wrong crowd which led to a downward spiral”.
The Probation Officer told the Court that she had found Brady “very difficult to deal with”. She added that she attempted to organised additional services for Brady only for the defendant not to attend any of the meetings that were set up.
Judge Michael Connellon told Brady: “You have to accept and address your problems with addiction. Your destiny is in your hands.”
Brady was sentenced to three months in prison to be suspended for 12 months.
Conditions attached were for Brady to be of good behaviour, to keep the peace and not to consume alcohol. cannabis herb and €24 of cannabis resin.
Defence solicitor, Mark Mullaney, told the court that his client was selling cannabis to feed his own habit. He added that Doyle was now weaning himself off the drug by using a vape.
Doyle was given fines totalling €1250 with Judge Michael Connellon telling him: “You’re 21 years old and you need to live your life properly.”
Doyle’s older brother, Shane – age 25 and resident at the same address – was also fined €150 for cannabis plants worth €560 being found in the same Garda search of May 15, 2022.
Man fined for driving with no insurance
A 28-year-old man caught driving without insurance has been fined.
Velegapudi Velaghuveer of Celtic Apartments, Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, pleaded guilty at Sligo District Court to driving a motor vehicle without insurance.
The offence took place as the defendant drove on the N4 at Carrowgobbadagh on October 28, 2023.
Defence solicitor, John Anderson, told the court that his client “took the foolish decision to take the car out uninsured” and asked the court not to issue a driving disqualification order.
Judge Michael Connellon fined Velaghuveer €500.
‘My dog ate my fixed penalty notice’ - Defendant
A 23-year-old man charged with speeding told the court that his dog ate the fixed penalty notice he received.
Piotr Falinski, of Mountain View, Ballymote, pleaded guilty at Sligo District Court to driving with excess speed.
The offence took place on January 25, 2023 when Falinski drove his silver Audi A3 vehicle at a speed greater than the 100km limit on the N4 at Carrowgobbadagh.
He told Garda officers who pulled him over that was on his way to Sligo to buy a present for his wife’s birthday.
When asked by Judge Michael Connellon why he didn’t respond to the fixed penalty notice letter, he replied: “My dog ate it – he’s a Golden Retriever.”
Falinski was fined €250.