This article is from page 10 of the 2006-09-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
A YOUNG man who was involved in an altercation on a street in Ennis in the early hours of the morning has been jailed for a fortnight.
David Gormley, of Maiville, Kilrush Road, Ennis, appeared before Ennis District Court on Friday, accused of two offences under the Public Order Act.
Garda Albert Hardiman said the accused was involved in an altercation on Abbey Street, at 1.20am on August 20. He said Gormley had suffered an injury but he would not make a complaint to gardaí in relation to it.
“There was a bottle used. He (the accused) had blood coming from a head wound, but he refused to make a complaint,” said the garda.
Defending solicitor John Casey said his client was pleading guilty and that drink was central to his problems.
“He is blaming nobody. He accepts himself what he has done. He is a young man who badly needs help,” said Mr Casey.
“This is a young man who is going to go one of two ways. It is his choice,” he added. “He obviously has a serious problem with drink. He loses track of everything and remembers little of what happens the following day,” he said.
The court heard the accused was fined €250 for an offence under the Public Order Act in July. Judge Joseph Mangan said, “He got an opportunity. That was his first chance.”
Mr Casey replied, “This is his last chance. I ask you what you can do.”
Judge Mangan imposed a 14-day jail term and fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal.