‘Mystery’ man urinated in full view

A man who urinated in full public view while he was drunk in town told a judge his behaviour was a “mystery” even to himself.

56-year-old Brendan Casey was described by his solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern as a “talented tradesman” but a “strange individual” when he appeared before Sligo District Court last Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to being drunk in public and to offensive conduct in Stephen Street car park on 26th November last.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne told Judge Kevin Kilrane that Casey was found drunk in the car park and as Gardaí approached him he began urinating in full view of members of the public.

He said Casey had 33 previous convictions, mainly for Public Order, the most recent one being last October for which he was currently carrying out Community Service.

Defence solicitor Mr McGovern told the judge that his client was “a strange individual” but a “talented tradesman” who did a lot of good work for many people.

He told Judge Kilrane Casey had an addiction problem with alcohol but “you couldn’t get a nicer individual in that man without drink, he’s an absolute gentleman.”

He said Casey had been assaulted a year ago and was not happy it had been followed up on and got angry when he was drunk.

Speaking from the witness box Casey told Judge Kilrane “it’s a mystery to myself” when asked why he kept getting drunk and behaving that way.

“That’s the word,” agreed Mr McGovern.

Probation Officer Ms Bridget Myles told the court that when he wasn’t drunk, Casey was “a worker” and got on well with everybody while doing Community Service.

She said he had been referred to a psychiatrist for his drinking and said in her opinion that when Casey drank, “all the bad thoughts about his life come up and he gets angry.”

Addressing a group of young people who had been observing proceedings from the public gallery, Judge Kilrane said at least 50 per cent of the cases before him were alcohol and drug related.

He said people were “drinking themselves until they were paralysed” and alcohol had “ruined people’s lives.”

The judge said it wasn’t just Casey but part of a wider “societal problem”.

He said there was no improvement, and in fact, the problem was getting worse.

“What the answer is, no one seems to know. Alcohol and illegal substances represent a serious problem for this country,” he added.

Judge Kilrane urged Casey to stay away from drink otherwise he would end up “at a minimum Community Service or worse” and adjourned his case to next April 26th to monitor.