An unfortunate bench warrant history prevented a homeless man from taking up accommodation and employment in Tuam, as a Judge decided at Galway District Court that the defendant before her would be accommodated elsewhere until Christmas at least.
The Court heard Garda evidence that Ian Renton (No Fixed Abode ) was arrested before the sitting on foot of a bench warrant. Dealing with the case before Judge Fiona Lydon the prosecuting Garda Sgt outlined the evidence.
On September 25 last the defendant was found in a highly intoxicated state in the vicinity of Ceannt Station in Galway city.
He was being abusive towards members of the public and was arrested for his own safety and the safety of others. He had 23 previous convictions and was on remand from Tubbercurry District Court on theft matters.
Defending solr Sean Acton pleaded that his client was homeless and had an alcohol problem for a number of years. He had three children but his relationship had collapsed.
Asking for bail he said his client hoped to be able to provide an address in Tuam where he expected to take up labouring work which he had been offered. He had worked on building sites for some time. In addition he was being assisted with his addiction issues with the Merchant’s Quay project.
Judge Lydon commended the representation the defendant had received but said she still had to deal with the fact that multiple matters had been dealt with through suspended sentences before and the defendant was back before a Court once again.
When she took all this into consideration, she said she was imposing a two-month prison sentence, giving him credit for his guilty plea.
Renton was remanded back to Tubbercurry District Court where it will be decided if a suspended sentence he had received there would be activated in light of his reoffending.
