'Talented' man who speaks five languages told in Letterkenny court to get a job

A university-educated man who speaks five different languages has been told by a Judge in that he needs to find a job.

Peter Adanowicz was arrested while holding a bottle of whiskey on Main Street in Stranorlar on September 3. Letterkenny District Court was told the accused man has roughly 30 previous convictions for similar public order offences.

The accused man's solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, told the court that his client has been an alcoholic for the past number of years. The 42-year-old Polish national has been in Ireland since 2006 but his alcoholism has been made worse by the tragic death of his brother, the court was told.

"He is extremely well-educated and speaks five or six different languages. He has even helped me here in court before by translating to other people. "However, he is a man who cannot get off and stay off alcohol," said Mr Gallagher.

The court was told that on the night in question at 8.40pm, Adanowicz was found in an intoxicated state with a bottle of whiskey in his hand.

He was arrested by Gardai for his own safety, the court was told. The accused man addressed the court and said he was an alcoholic and that he also suffered from depression. Judge Brendan O'Reilly said he was sorry to hear that he was an alcoholic and was suffering from depression.

He said his solicitor, Mr Gallagher, had put across his case very eloquently. However, the Judge added that the reality was that Adanowicz needs to find himself a job.

"He's a talented man and he needs a job to keep his brain working," said Judge O'Reilly.

The Judge addressed Adanowicz and told him "You are wasting your life", and asked him if he had applied for jobs. Judge O'Reilly said he was going to adjourn the case until January 19, 2026 to allow Adanowicz time to get a job. As the accused left the courtroom, Judge O'Reilly told him "You need to stay off the liquor."