Judge warns Longford man she will be left with 'very little choice' if he fails to engage with probation services

Aubery Bourke (43) of Apartment 36, Harbour Point, Longford was represented in Longford District Court by solicitor John Quinn.

Mr Quinn acknowledged his client had “not fully” engaged with the probation service. The defendant is charged with four public order offences, four criminal damage charges, and two assault charges.

Mr Quinn said his client will give an undertaking to engage with all services outlined by the court. However Inspector Paddy McGirl stated the defendant was “taking up Garda time, the courts time, the HSE's time and causing a nuisance with his neighbours”.

Mr Quinn maintained that when Mr Bourke takes his medication there is no trouble, however Inspector McGirl said: “The problem is that he is not taking his medication and causing difficulty for Gardaí.”

The Inspector said Gardaí held a meeting with the HSE about the defendant. He outlined how previous bail conditions to keep Mr Bourke out of Longford had addressed many issues. When the bail conditions were removed there was “a considerable increase in the number of Garda resources needed to deal with issues”.

Mr Quinn said a report for a psychiatric professional would assist the court when it came to finalising matters. Acknowledging that the defendant was “not criminally active” Inspector McGirl said he was nonetheless “causing a nuisance”.

Judge Owens said she would give Mr Bourke “one more opportunity” and put the matter back to allow the defendant to engage with probation services.

Judge Owens warned: “If I get a negative probation report you won't get another opportunity, I will be left with very little choice.”