Judge hears Longford trespasser was in 'throes of addiction' when he committed offences

A judge has requested a probation report be compiled on a Longford man who committed offences while in the 'throes' of drug addiction, but has now vowed he is 'free' of heroin.

John Courtney of no fixed abode and formerly of 7 Harbour Point apartments, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to trespassing at Weavers Hall 'in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that such entry was intended to commit an offence or to unlawfully interfere with any property therein' on March 12 last.

The defendant also admitted criminal damage to a front door valued at €440 at Weaver's Hall on the same date.

Mr Courtney separately admitted trespassing on a building at Weavers Hall, Market Square in such a manner as was 'likely to cause fear in another person' on March 28 last.

Sgt Shane Kelleher, court presenter, said the defendant entered an apartment at Weavers Hall and he was found by Gardaí with drug paraphernalia in the apartment on one occasion.

The court heard he had 'no connection' to the apartment complex.

Sgt Kelleher said Mr Courtney, who is currently serving a prison sentence for an unrelated matter at Castlerea prison, is due for release on November 15.

The defendant had 28 previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was in the 'throes of addiction' at the time that he committed the offences.

"He went in to service his habit, he never should have been there.

"This is the last time he will be addicted to heroin and he is free of heroin now."

Mr Gearty who addressed Judge Bernadette Owens remarked, "You have seen him previously, he is now a different Mr Courtney.
"He was previously seriously strung out on heroin."

Judge Owens noted the facts and the defendant's guilty plea and she stated there were some 'mitigating and aggravating' factors.

She requested a probation report and a governor's report be compiled on Mr Courtney and she adjourned the case until September 2.

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