Cavan man who trespassed at Longford house given to November to prove sobriety
A defendant before Longford District Court on a trespass charge was told Judge Bernadette Owens “might be persuaded” not to deal with the matter in a fashion that would result in the triggering of a suspended sentence.
Wayne Halford (28) of 31 Wolfe Tone Street, Cavan Town, is charged with trespass on January 7, 2023 at 77 Grian Ard Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford.
Sergeant Conor McShane said the defendant was one of three males in the vacant house when officers responded to a call from neighbours. The court was told that a co-accused in the matter received the benefit of the Probation Act.
Mr Halford has 14 previous convictions; three for drugs offences, the remainder for theft, public order breeches and assault.
Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client is from a good family but suffered from a “chronic drug addiction”. He is now on a methadone programme and “doing well”. Ms Mimnagh said her client is the father of a five year old daughter.
Noting the defendant had a suspended sentence hanging over him Judge Owens said she would adjourn the matter to November 7, adding: “Lets see if Mr Halford sustains his sobriety.
“If there is no further trouble I might be persuaded to deal with this in a way that won't invoke the suspended sentence.”