Defendant with alcohol addiction thanks Kildare Judge and Garda Sergeant
IN-CAMERA
In an unusual change of pace, Judge Desmond Zaidan, as well as Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob, were both thanked by a defendant in Naas District Court on Thursday, March 25.
The defendant, who appeared during an in-camera (in private) court session, was a man aged in his sixties who had struggled with alcohol addiction.
It was heard that he was being prosecuted in relation to a breach of a barring order, which was granted to his daughter, as well for the theft of an alcoholic beverage in a County Kildare supermarket.
He admitted that he had no memory whatsoever of the breach.
A probation report was due in his case.
Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told the judge that his client is now seeking treatment and counselling for his addiction, and has been sober for the past six months.
Judge Zaidan also pointed out that the man looked 'a lot healthier' compared to when he last saw him.
Sgt Jacob also remarked: "He is a very different man when he is sober."
When the judge was told that the man used to work as a tradesman, Judge Zaidan encouraged him to look into teaching his skills to young people.
"Now that you're retired, there can be temptation to get back on the drink, so maybe look into that or joining a men's shed group and going once or twice a week" he said to the man.
GRATITUDE
Speaking directly to both the judge and Sgt Jacob, the man said: "You have helped me an awful lot; you have been very fair to me.
"You could have locked me away and thrown away the key, but you didn't, and I really appreciate it."
When the judge said that he would be one of the defendants he would 'definitely remember' when he retires, the man made him laugh by remarking: "Maybe we can go out celebrating together!"
The probation report in relation to the case recommended that his probation supervision be extended, which Judge Zaidan agreed to do.