Homeless man tells court: ‘I can’t walk the streets every day’

A homeless man issued a plea for assistance in obtaining accommodation when he appeared in court.

Ciaran Hughes was brought before Letterkenny District Court on Thursday morning.

The 27-year-old, of no fixed abode, was found sleeping in a car park by gardai on Wednesday night.

He was charged that he did, without lawful authority or excuse, possess stolen property to wit a SumUp card machine valued at €40 knowing that the property was stolen or was reckless as to whether it was stolen. The charge is contrary to Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Garda Ciaran McGinley gave evidence of arresting Hughes at Pearse Road, Letterkenny on foot of a bench warrant. Hughes made no reply when he was subsequently charged at 9.30am on Thursday morning.

Hughes told Judge Eiteain Cunningham that he has had a problem in finding housing.

“I am just trying to get on in the community,” he told the court. “I am requesting Council accommodation every day. Every day something happens, I need a house. I can’t be on the street and come to court.”

Gardai sought conditions for bail, including that Hughes sign on daily at Letterkenny Garda Station, that he remain drug and alcohol free, that he not commit any further offence and that he provide an address and telephone number.

As Hughes was unable to provide an address, which Sergeant Maurice Doyle confirmed the State was seeking, he was remanded in custody.

“Is there any way I can get housing?” Hughes asked. “I can’t walk the streets every day. My human rights are being violated through this Court system.”

Judge Cunningham told Hughes that she had no power in terms of housing and it was a matter for the local authority. “I hope they would look favourably, but I have no role or power,” Judge Cunningham explained.

Judge Cunningham remanded Hughes in custody with consent to bail and to appear again on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Mr O’Brien said his client was sleeping in a car park when he was arrested by gardai. He said his client presented in a ‘distressed condition’. Judge Cunningham directed that Hughes receivd medical attention.