‘Malign influence’ in Longford man’s life at time of offences
A man is facing a jail sentence unless he has €450 the next time he appears before Longford District Court.
John Courtney, 7 Harbour Point Apartments, Longford is charged with two public order offences, criminal damage at St Brigid’s Place in Longford and with theft from Lidl.
Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court that on March 6, 2023 the defendant was highly intoxicated at Ballymahon Street in Longford at 4am and was arrested for his own safety.
On March 25 last, gardaí attended St Brigid’s Place in Longford where a windscreen of a car was smashed, which caused damage to the back seat. CCTV footage identified the defendant as having done this. The damage caused came to €450.
The court heard the defendant also stole baby formula from a Lidl shop in Longford on June 12 last. This was valued at €45 and was never recovered.
Defence solicitor, Frank Gearty said there has been a “malign influence” in the defendant’s life at the time of the offences.
The defendant had 16 previous convictions, some of which were public order offences.
Mr Gearty said the defendant had a history of difficulties with intoxication. He had moved from smoking cannabis to taking heroin.
He had been a “foot soldier” to do something “that never should have happened,” Mr Gearty said of his actions. The defendant hoped to have some money before the court.
Judge Bernadette Owens said despite the time elapsed since the offences, the defendant had come before the court with his “hands hanging”.
Mr Gearty said it was obvious that his client now looks much more healthy, since he has become heroin-free.
Sgt Mahon agreed that he hadn’t seen the defendant looking as well in previous court sittings.
Mr Gearty said the criminal damage offence committed by the defendant was something like you would see in a movie as the defendant lifted up a mask he was wearing outside a shop on Ballymahon Street, and looked up at a camera there.
The case was adjourned to April 23 next, when the defendant is to have €450 in court. “Otherwise I will seriously consider a custodial sentence,” Judge Owens warned.