A man with health and psychiatric difficulties went on a drunken wine bottle thieving spree through the village of Oughterard while let out on bail to attend medical appointments, the Galway District Court heard this week.
Michael Noone (47 ) with an address at 6 Waterfield, Oughterard, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy charged with a number offences which included stealing a bottle of wine, valued at €10.99, from McNamara’s grocery shop, Bridge Street, Oughterard on October 9, 2009. Noone then entered Keogh’s Shop on Main Street on October 11 and stole two bottles of wine, valued at €24. The following day, Noone went back to McNamaras and took a wine bottle, valued at €10, and took another wine bottle, valued at €10, from Keogh’s Shop. The defendant was also charged with being intoxicated in a public place at Pier Road that same day.
Noone was further charged with being intoxicated at Oughterard GAA Football pitch and for causing criminal damage to a window at The Boat Inn on October 14. The next day he was found to be intoxicated at A&E, UHG. Inspector Sean Glynn told the court that on October 17, at 1pm, the defendant came back to McNamara’s grocery shop and in “full view of the owner” picked up the wine and left without paying. On October 27, Noone entered McNamara’s again and took a bottle of wine and was found in an intoxicated state at Bridge Street.
Defence solicitor Colin Lynch said that a plea of guilty had been entered previously to a number of thefts and public order charges. He said that Noone had been receiving treatment at Cuan Mhuire but halfway through he “took advantage” and was re-arrested. He said that Noone never finished his treatment.
“Unfortunately, that is what he needs,” said Judge Fahy.
Mr Lynch replied that his client now has 100 per cent commitment and support behind him and that there was a plea of guilty to all remaining charges.
“He was let out to attend medical appointments,” noted Judge Fahy.
Mr Lynch explained that Noone has been in hospital for a week for kidney problems and that he will need psychiatric treatment. He added that there had been a lot of trauma in the family and that Noone uses alcohol as a way to cope. Mr Lynch said that Noone has been in Castlerea since December 18, 2009, and that he has medical conditions which require ongoing treatment and daily medication. The court then heard that Noone has paid €300 in compensation for the theft of the bottles of wine and for other matters.
“He took advantage of being let go to medical appointments. What’s going to happen if he is let out onto the road today?” asked a concerned Judge Fahy.
“His family are here, willing to step in and take charge,” said Mr Lynch who added that an appointment with the psychiatric unit has also been made.
After careful consideration Judge Fahy imposed a total of one month in jail backdated to December 18, 2009. Noone was also fined a total of €500 with three months to pay.
Judge Fahy then warned that Noone “needs urgent treatment for alcoholism”.
