Longford man was "under the weather" when arrested
Defendant living “on the side of the Shannon” was given the benefit of the probation act
A defendant who is living “on the side of the Shannon” was given the benefit of the probation act at Longford District Court.
Alan Maher (38) with a charge sheet address of Apartment 5, Take 2, Earl Street Longford faced a charge that on June 27, 2023 at Aldi, Athlone Road, Longford he stole a bottle of pink gin valued at €20.99, and a charge of public intoxication at Earl Street Longford on February 16, 2024.
Solicitor John Quinn said his client was entering a plea of guilty to the charges before the court. Mr Quinn said his client was “sleeping rough in a tent on the side of the Shannon, trying to get accommodation”.
The solicitor said Mr Maher was willing to do community service if the court feels it is an option. In regard to the public order offence Mr Quinn said his client was “under the weather” and that Gardaí arrested Mr Maher “for his own protection”. Judge Bernadette Owens said she would deal with the matter under section 1.2 of the probation act.