Sawmill worker was ‘a bit wobbly’ in Laois
The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A sawmill worker claimed he was “a bit wobbly” but not falling in front of traffic in Portlaoise.
Rory Harris (48) of 3 Library Apartments, Mountrath admitted being drunk on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise on May 3, 2024.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was arrested for his own safety as he was falling out in front of traffic at 7.05pm on the date in question. He said the man had 13 previous convictions.
“He was all right when he sobered up, I am told,” said Sgt Kirby.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client has an issue with alcohol but was holding down a job at a local sawmills.
“He is not shy in terms of his work,” he said.
Mr Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty and wasn’t “playing ducks and drakes” with the court.
“I think he was more of a danger to himself than to anyone else,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
The defendant took issue with some of the evidence given in court.
“I wasn’t falling into traffic. I was a bit wobbly,” he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
Judge Andrew Cody said he would strike the matter out if the defendant didn’t reoffend and paid €400 to the court poor box by September 23.