Ballycroy man 'is too well known around' Belmullet
The defendant pleaded guilty to the offences.
A Ballycroy man who is “too well known around the town” of Belmullet has been warned by a judge that his drinking habits could escalate to further offending if not curtailed.
Michael O’Driscoll, Bunmore, Ballycroy pleaded guilty at Belmullet District Court to two separate incidents of public intoxication.
Gda Sarah Cosgrave told the court that last Tuesday, February 10, she was on mobile patrol at Carter Square, Belmullet when O’Driscoll was observed in an intoxicated state walking across a roundabout before continuing down the road where cars were passing. She arrested O’Driscoll as he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others.
Gda Insp Dermot Butler said that on Thursday, January 22 last, Gardaí received a report from a local publican that O’Driscoll had urinated outside their premises. Officers attended the scene and arrested him. O’Driscoll has two previous convictions.
Solicitor Samantha Geraghty said her client is someone who is “too well known around town” and while he does not drink often, he drinks to excess when he goes socialising.
Judge Sandra Murphy told O’Driscoll that alcohol was bringing him into difficulty and he needs to curtail this behaviour.
“When you drink to that level, it brings you into danger. If you are walking on a road like that, someone can have an accident or involve you in an accident,” she said. “You were doing exactly what the offence says, you were making yourself a danger to yourself and others and it could escalate to something more. You have to curtail your drinking.”
She imposed fines totalling €200.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
