“If he has money for drink then he has money for fines,” a Judge said when imposing fines on a man whose solicitor admitted was a familiar face at Galway District Court.
Judge Fiona Lydon made her comment when dealing with public order charges against Patrick Mongan, who resides in Simon Community accommodation in the city.
The court heard that on a date in June last the defendant was found in Quay Street in a highly intoxicated condition and had to be arrested for his own safety and the safety of the public. Later in June, he was found in a similar condition at Wolfe Tone Bridge and was again arrested for his own safety.
Olivia Traynor solr (defending ) said: “There’s no getting away from it, Mr Mongan is a familiar face in this court.” She was referring to the fact that he had 89 previous convictions.
She said her client had serious addiction issues, but he was trying to deal with them and had support workers with him who were helping him to this end. He appreciated the Gardaí had to deal with him and wanted to thank the Gardaí for their assistance when he lost his wallet and they helped him search for it.
Judge Lydon imposed two €300 fines which could be paid over 12 months. If he has money for drink he has money to pay fines, she concluded.
