Sergeant describes man as ‘worst alcoholic he has seen’

DEFENDANT HAD 93 PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS, COURT HEARS

A man, who pleaded guilty to a total of 29 charges had his case put back for a decision on April 11, at Sligo District Court.

Peter Kelly (43) with addresses at Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, Avondale, Ballytivnan, Glendallon, Ballytivnan and No Fixed Abode also had a further total of 15 charges struck out before Judge Brendan O’Reilly.

Those charges were for being drunk and a danger to himself and others.

The court was told that a number of charges against Kelly, who was described as having a major alcohol problem, arose from him drinking on the streets of Sligo.

Prosecuting Sergeant Derek Butler said that Kelly was “the worst alcoholic I have ever seen”.

The offences included public intoxication, using threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with the instructions of a peace officer, theft, criminal damage and possession of cannabis resin and cocaine.

The offences happened in a period from September 8 2022 to March 5 2024.

They occurred at Stephen Street Car Park, Tesco O’Connell Street, O’Connell Street, Grattan Street, John Street, Sligo Courthouse, Teeling Street, Water Lane, Sligo University Hospital, The Mall, Rockwood Parade, Adelaide Street, Castle Street, and Mullens Spar, Bundoran Road and on the Mailcoach Road.

The court heard he had 93 previous convictions.

Defence Solicitor Mr John Anderson, of McGovern and Walsh Solicitors said the offences spoke for themselves.

Mr Anderson said the defendant had been living in a house for the past five months, organised by Housing First who helped people in his situation.

The difficulty was that if he was given a jail sentence in excess of four months he would lose his home.

Mr Anderson said that the defendant who has a “very bad addiction” could also get help from Mr Aubrey Melville of Social Ground Force who now had a premises in Sligo town.

Mr Anderson said that Kelly had lost his brother in tragic circumstances, and this had a terrible effect on him, and he came from a respectable family.

The defendant was a very pleasant man without drink, and he was never aggressive to the solicitor or his colleague.

“He unreservedly apologises to everyone concerned and he knows that he is causing problems in Sligo.”

It was when gardaí rightly tried to take drink from him on the streets.

The court heard he had been jailed last December for two months but was re-offending when he was released in January.

Mr Anderson urged the court to “put the keys of jail” in the hand of the defendant by giving him a suspended sentence to try and break the cycle and if he did not take it then he would be sent to jail for a lengthy sentence.

Sergeant Butler told the court that Kelly’s previous convictions included criminal damage, possession of drugs, public order offences, obstruction and drunk driving. Peter Kelly told the court he was sorry for his actions and the court had an impossible job and he bore no ill will towards the gardaí.

When asked what comfort would he give to the court he said he had made a decision to give up drink as it was his worst enemy.

He said his health was not the best and he would not be able to work as he had recent heart attack.

Sergeant Butler remarked that the defendant had only been sober for three years of his adult life and he was now 43.

Sergeant Butler told the defendant he had serious medical issues, and he was doing terrible damage to himself.

The Sergeant added that the defendant was harassing businesses in the town.

Peter Kelly said he was very sorry but did not realise that he was doing it.

Sergeant Butler said they had been here before and the defendant had a house for five months but continued to drink.

The Sergeant asked Kelly why he still had charges after having a house for five months and the latter said he “did not know”.

Sergeant Butler said the only time he saw Kelly sober was when he was in custody.

There had been seven incidents since he got the house.

Judge Brendan O’Reilly said the defendant had “actually got worse.”

The judge remanded Kelly, who has been in custody since March 6,until April 11 for sentence.