This article is from page 14 of the 2006-02-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A 27-YEAR-OLD man who assaulted another man in the corridor of Ennis courthouse has been jailed for six months.
Stephen Moloney, a father-of-one, with an address at John Paul Avenue, Ennis, assaulted Anthony Gallagher, on June 24 last year.
The court was told that Sgt Haran heard a commotion and a verbal altercation was taking place between the accused and Mr Gallagher, on the corridor of the courthouse.
The defendant told the court that Mr Gallagher had said something to him, but he could not remember what exactly, as it was a “long time ago.”
He told Judge Joseph Mangan that his doctor told him to cease drinking for life in January, due to a liver problem.
“I have to give it up, or just give up myself,” he said.
The court heard that Moloney had a number of previous convictions, most of which were drink-related. Asked by the judge was he happy with his behaviour over the past decade, the accused replied, “Not really, no.”
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had a drink problem and had been told by doctors that if he continued drinking, he would die, as he had a liver problem.
“Drink has taken its toll, physically,” said the solicitor, adding, “If he doesn’t deal with it, he is endangering his life.”
She said he had not drank for more than a month.
“He won’t get the level of treatment necessary for him in prison for his drink or for his bowel problem,” said Ms Godfrey.
Judge Joseph Mangan replied, “He doesn’t seem to be getting it outside either.”
He imposed a four-month sentence for the assault charge and a two month sentence for a public order offence in Ennis on December 22 last.
Both sentences will run consecutively. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.