A Mayo man had to get out of bed at 7am and take a number of buses so he could present himself before Judge Fiona Lydon at Clifden District Court.
However, the Judge noted that it had taken a bench warrant to get him into Court before, and warned him that if another had to be issued he will be going into custody.
Before the Court was Thomas Sweeney, Old Knock Road, Claremorris, Co Mayo who was told by the Judge that the Gardaí had more to do than chasing him around trying to get him to Court.
Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast stated that on June 16, 2024 Sweeney was at the Clifden Summer Festival and was found to be so highly intoxicated that he had to be arrested for his own safety and the safety of others. When he was searched he was found to be in possession of cocaine to the value of €20. Sweeney had 17 previous convictions, including convictions for public order offence and drug possession.
Other matters relating to trespass, illegal hunting and possession of knives were to be dealt with in a separate case.
Cathriona McDarby solr (defending ) pleaded that her client had made serious efforts to make it to Court. He had got up at 7am that morning and travelled to Clifden via public transport.
She pleaded that her client was under the care of the Probation services and insisted he was now clean of drugs. She added that he was willing to undertake an urine analysis test to prove this. However, she admitted that her client did not have a great history but he had a child on the way and this would focus his mind on his responsibilities.
Judge Lydon said she would adjourn the case until the January 22 sitting to see if Sweeney was suitable for community service and advised him to make sure he was back in Clifden because, if a third bench warrant needed to be issued to get him back, he would find himself in custody.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
