COURTS: A man who pulled the wing mirror of a Ford Transit van has been given a suspended sentence at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court.
Gerard O’Connor, 56, has no fixed abode, and is currently living in a tent in Buncrana.
In what was an extremely sad case, the court was informed of how O’Connor had chronic problems with alcohol and needed urgent help to address the issue.
He appeared in court in relation to a charge of criminal damage on March 21st at the Euro-Spar car park in Buncrana.
Sergeant Paul Forrestal, of Buncrana Garda Station outlined the details of the case to the court.
Sergeant Forrestal said, “On March 21st, Gardaí on patrol in the area were informed that a wing mirror had been pulled of a Ford Transit van in the Euro-Spar car park in Buncrana.
“They later found the person responsible nearby, who was in an extremely intoxicated state.
“The cost of replacing the wing mirror was €150.”
Solicitor for the defendant Patsy Gallagher told the court of the severe alcohol problems his client has.
“My client is 56 years of age, he’s currently single, and is living in a tent in a Buncrana.
“He’d be well known to Gardaí, and he’s got serious, serious issues with alcohol.
“He gets his social welfare and basically goes and buys alcohol, he gets on a bus and is regularly seen in Buncrana, Letterkenny and Falcarragh.
“When he heads to these towns he usually sleeps rough there overnight, it’s a very sad case.
“He has self-harmed before as well, he had an extremely difficult upbringing as a child.
“He needs help, he’s got no other addictions, but as my father would say he’ll wake up dead some day.
“He gets a fine, doesn’t pay it, and ends up in Castlerea for a few months, then repeats the cycle all over again.
Judge Alan Mitchell suggested the defendant be assessed by the probation services, but Gardaí Forrestal responded by saying ‘That would be a waste of time to be honest judge.”
Gardaí Forrestal also added that it was a sad case and a very difficult one to deal with.
The defendant was in an agitated state and several times made outbursts to the court, he was told to sit down on several occasions by both the Gardaí and his solicitor Patsy Gallagher.
At one point he said, “I don’t want anybody talking about me anymore, that’s it, I’ll pay for it, that’s it.
“I’ve been off the drink for four days before Judge, but nobody will listen to me.”
Judge Alan Mitchell told the court, “This is a very unfortunate and sad case, it’s clear he needs to seek the help of the addiction services.
“I’ll impose a sentence of three months for the criminal damage charge, which will be suspended for twelve months.
“He has to attend his GP and be sent to see the addiction services to deal with his severe problems with alcohol.
“He has nine months to pay back the cost of the damage which is €150.
“It’s a very difficult situation and he needs help, however, if he doesn’t seek the help of his GP and the addiction services he may well be sent to prison for the three months.”