Man who was highly intoxicated in Tullamore told to 'stop being a nuisance'

A MAN who was highly intoxicated in Tullamore leaned over the railing at the canal.

In his evidence to a recent sitting of Tullamore District Court, Sergeant Brendan Kearns said that on December 8, 2023, the defendant Vilius Silinges (42) 75, Church Street, Tullamore was highly intoxicated at Kilbride Park in Tullamore. He appeared to lean over the fence at the canal. When approached by Gardai he shouted abuse at them and used bad language.

He had nine previous convictions. On July 12, 2023, he received a two month suspended sentence for obstruction, being intoxicated and abusive. He also had previous convictions for driving without insurance. Sergeant Kearns said this latest incident was a triggering offence.

Solicitor Aisling Maloney said that her client had received sad news that day that his friend had been involved in a car accident.

Judge Andrew Cody noted that this was not his first time in court. He asked how long this was going to go on.

''Is he going to get treatment and stop being a nuisance?'' asked Judge Cody.

He told the defendant he has two choices: either get treatment or go to prison. He adjourned the case to March 4, 2024 for preparation of a probation report and warned that there has to be clear progress on that date or he will either go to Athy or Portlaoise prison.

Aisling Maloney sought legal aid as she said the defendant is not working at the moment and is homeless.

Someone who has enough money to get drunk repeatedly should pay for their own legal aid, said Judge Cody. However, he did grant legal aid.