Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 12:00pm

Carlow man sentenced to two months

A 28-year-old Carlow man who had 55 previous conviction was sentenced to two months at a sitting of Virginia District Court when he pleaded guilty to a public order offence in Monaghan town.

Anthony Cahill, St. Vincent de Paul Hostel, Old Dublin Road, Carlow, was charged that on March 5, 2009, at Kilnacloy, Monaghan, he used or engaged in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

Inspector Ray McMahon said the defendant was in an intoxicated state at Monaghan bus station and refused to give his name and address. He had 55 previous convictions.

Ann McGarry, solicitor defending, said her client had been in ad out of prison over the past ten years.

He had a drink problem and got treatment for it but fell off the wagon. On the occasion he had fallen out with his girlfriend and took a drink. The defendant had left Dublin on the day to come to Monaghan.

Judge Sean MacBride said he had to protect the people at the bus station. He recommended that the defendant got treatment for his drink problem while he was in prison and was detoxed.

Recognisances were fixed in the event of appeal in a cash lodgement of €1,000.

If bail was taken up he was to obey a curfew between 10pm and 7am, reside at St. Vincent de Paul Hostel, Carlow, sign on twice daily at Carlow Garda Station between 9am and 12 noon and 6pm to 8pm, to abstain from illegal drugs and intoxicating liquor and receive psychiatric treatment.