A man who defended himself because he felt he had “cost the State enough already”, was sentenced to two months in prison, in the court this week (June 17 ).
The court heard how David Greene (39 ) of no fixed abode but originally from Ashbourne Co Meath, was arrested in Athlone railway station on June 12 after gardai were told of a drunken man causing a disturbance on, and delaying, the Galway-Dublin train.
The defendant was also facing two counts of criminal damage to shop windows in Dublin from late last year, causing a total of €1,000 in damage.
Greene wanted the court to know that while he had been drunk he wasn't abusive.
“I was singing on the train,” he said.
He explained a friend in Galway had sent him a “few quid” after a lottery win and he had been returning from this visit when apprehended in Athlone.
Greene pleaded guilty to all three charges and tried to explain his situation to Judge John Neilan after it was revealed he had 12 previous convictions, all since 2006.
“I had never been in trouble with the law until my sister's suicide and four weeks after that my father died. I went on the streets and started drinking,” he stated.
He went on to tell Judge Neilan he was a qualified carpenter, a qualified chef and was fluent in German.
“I wouldn't mind going back to remand to finish my detox,” said Greene, who had already done four months of the rehabilitatory course.
Judge Neilan granted this and sentenced Greene to three concurrent, two month sentences and backdated its commencement to June 12, his first day of custody.
“One wishes you well and hopes you will be successful in your battle with the demon drink,” said the judge.
He left the legal aid in place in case Greene wished to appeal the sentence.
