Custodywas ‘ sharpshock’

A man who spent three nights in custody had received a ‘ sharp shock’ his solicitor said.

Gary Duncan ( 30) of Seaview Park was charged with possession of a knife at Sligo Garda Station on February 8th last.

He is also charged with damaging the back door of a house at Jinks Avenue on December 31st and entering as a tresspasser.

Duncan is further charged with public order offences at Sligo Unversity Hospital on January 11th and with contravening a protection order on January 17th.

Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor ( defending) said Duncan had spent three nights in custody following his arrest for the knife offence, one in Sligo and two in Castlerea Prison.

“It was a very sharp shock for him,” said Mr MacSharry.

Asked by Judge Kilrane what the three nights in custody were like, the defendant replied: “Hell, absolute hell.”

Duncan told the court that all of his problems were down to alcohol.

HIs job, home, relationship had all suffered as a result of it.

He wanted to put his life in order, he added.

He was on a waiting list to see an addiction counsellor and was attending AA meetings.

Duncan said he definitely wouldn’t drink again and now a “complete hatred” for it.

“When I’ve drink taken I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” said the defendant.

Judge Kilrane read out all of the charges which the defendant was facing and told him he had apologised before.

The defendant asked for another chance.

Mr MacSharry asked that the defendant be given his liberty to prove himself.

Judge Kilrane granted bail on condition that the defendant live with his mother, refrain from alcohol, seek the help of the addiction services , not re- offend and obey a 10pm to 8am curfew.

He was released on bail to March 16th and a probation report was ordered for that date.

A report on his treatment is also to be furnished on that date.