Serial offender with 144 previous convictions ordered to stay out of Longford

A man with 144 previous convictions who is on a suspended sentence has been directed to stay out of Longford by a judge at the local district court.

Danny McDonald (33) of 4 Burnaby Lawns, Greystones, Wicklow pleaded guilty to two public intoxication charges.

The first related to an incident on June 2, 2024 at Strand Street, Skerries, the second took place on November 11, 2024 at Ardnacassa, Longford.

Mr McDonald also failed to keep a court appointment on June 2, 2024.

At a previous hearing, Sergeant Enda Daly said on the day before that scheduled court appearance Gardaí received a call regarding a disturbance at Ardnacassa, Longford at 8:15pm.

The caller told of a drunken man in the area and when officers arrived they found Mr McDonald unsteady on his feet, slurring and with a bottle of rum in his hand.

The defendant was arrested for his own safety.

The case was adjourned late last year when Judge Bernadette Owens requested a probation report and last week she praised the defendant for engaging openly and honestly.

"I'd say I got a better picture of what has been happening for you Mr McDonald particularly for the level of addiction you are contending with in relation to alcohol and drugs," she added.

Judge Owens noted there were several suspended sentences that will come into play if Mr McDonald reoffends.

She released him on bail subject to the ongoing supervision of the probation service and strict bail conditions which include residing at his home address and staying out of Longford.

The defendant must also notify Gardaí if he wishes to change address and engage with an addiction counsellor.

Judge Owens adjourned the case until May 6 for an updated probation report.