A 28-year-old homeless man who concerned gardai found in a heavily intoxicated state with half of his body lying over the edge of a canal bank has been remanded on his own bail and placed under the auspices of the probation services.
Danny Oakes, who is currently residing at Woodquay Hostel, appeared before Galway District Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to a number of public order and theft offences.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that on September 4 last at 4.40pm the defendant entered Centra in Newcastle and stole a case of Budweiser, worth €15, before being apprehended. On August 20, the defendant had food and drink, valued €20.50, at Eddie Rockets on Eglinton Street, at 1.40pm and left without paying.
Regarding an incident on June 12, 2010, Inspector Coppinger said that Oakes was found in an extremely intoxicated state at Eglinton Canal near Dominick Street. “He was on the canal bank, half his body was hanging over the edge,” said Inspector Coppinger who added that gardai at the scene were very concerned and he was arrested for his own safety.
Defence solicitor Sean Acton said that his client is originally from England but had moved to Ireland with his father and siblings. He said that since the age of 16 Oakes had experienced numerous psychological difficulties and had a developed a dependency on alcohol. Mr Acton said that Oakes is attempting to address his issues with alcohol and has applied for a number of treatment programmes. He added that Oakes has been sober since September 27.
“He seems to have taken the first steps but he needs the help of the probation services,” said Mr Acton.
“He has a long way to go,” replied Judge Mary Fahy before adding that Eddie Rockets still needed to be compensated.
Mr Acton further explained that Oakes had been living rough at the time of the offence but has now secured hostel accommodation. He asked the judge to allow sufficient time to pay the compensation.
“It’s all part of facing up to what he has done and realising he has difficulties,” replied Judge Fahy who was then informed that Oakes has eight previous convictions including a possession of drugs offence in 2005.
Mr Acton explained that his client is currently on prescribed medication before making an application for bail. Inspector Coppinger said that there would be no objection to bail but did ask for a number of conditions to be applied.
Judge Fahy remanded Oakes on his own bail of €300 to appear at Galway District Court on December 15 next for a probation services report. The conditions attached are that he co-operates with the probation services and attend all appointments, that he attend for assessment regarding alcohol addiction, that he not come to garda attention, that compensation of €25 be paid, that he reside at Woodquay Hostel, and that he notify gardai within 24 hours of any change of address.
