Prisoner drunk on train in Laois while at large had 130 convictions

A drunk and abusive prisoner with 130 previous convictions who was arrested in Portlaoise should have been in jail when he was arrested at the town’s train station, Portlaoise court has heard.

Christopher Dutton, aged 46, of 17 Delfern Grove, Maryborough Hill, Co Cork appeared in court on charges arising from being arrested in Portlaoise Train Station at 10.30pm on May 22 this year.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that the accused was highly intoxicated on the train and abused rail staff.

When returned to Portlaoise Garda Station it was discovered that he was ‘unlawfully at large’. He was subsequently brought to Cloverhill Court where he pleaded guilty.

Sgt Kirby said the accused has 130 previous convictions of which 32 were road traffic-related, 69 for theft and three public order.

Defence solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was on temporary release that day to attend an assessment in the Cuan Mhuire addiction assessment service. She said he was unable to gain access to Wheatfield Prison on return.

The court heard that he then consumed alcohol and with nowhere to sleep decided to take a train to Cork and return later to the jail.

Ms Fitzpatrick said a further sentence would ‘prejudice his rehabilitation’ as he would not be able to take up a place on the Lantern programme.

She said he had been in custody since May 30 and appealed to Judge Andrew Cody to impose a suspended sentence. Alternatively, she suggested the granting of bail to see if he does take up the position.

Judge Cody imposed two concurrent sentences of three months backdated to May 30.