Cork man tells Nenagh District Court he is 'guilty as sin'

A Cork man charged with being intoxicated in a public place has told a judge at Nenagh District Court he is “guilty as sin”.

Luke Cronin (25) of 6 Mount St Joseph’s Close, Baker’s Road, Gurrnanbarhar, county Cork was charged with public intoxication contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. 

The man’s case was to be set a date for hearing, as the arresting garda was not in court, but the defendant insisted that it be heard on Friday. 

When asked by Judge Adrian Harris if that meant the defendant was pleading guilty, the man responded: “I’m guilty as sin, your honour.”

Mr Cronin told the court that the guard should have been in court when he was and had travelled from Cork.

Acting for the prosecution, Sergeant Regina McCarthy pointed out that the guard had been present for the last date, but the defendant was not. 

Sgt McCarthy told the court that on June 18, 2024 gardaí observed the man stumbling out on the road on McDonagh Street, Nenagh.

He had several cans, some open, and when gardaí spoke to him, he was slurring his words. 

Gardaí arrested him and took him to Nenagh Garda Station.

Sgt McCarthy told the court that Mr Cronin had 66 previous convictions, including for public order, and this conviction may trigger a suspended sentence. 

The defendant told the court he was sorry and that he would never come back to Tipperary.

He said he respected the court and the judge. Judge Harris explained to the defendant his charge was a triggering offence and asked that he consult with his solicitor, Elizabeth McKeever, who had attempted to represent the man. 

The judge said Ms McKeever had “vastly exceptional experience” in court and asked that he listen to her advice. 

He accepted the man’s guilty plea, remanded him on bail and put the case back to October 18, 2024.