This article is from page 22 of the 2008-12-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
A MAN who produced a bottle of vodka in a courtroom was described as acting like a ‘lunatic’ by a judge.
Judge Joseph Mangan made the comment in the case of Michael Ryan (21), of Farranvillas, Farrens- hone, Limerick, who admitted two public order offences arising out of a courtroom incident last week.
Inspector John Galvin told Ennis District Court on Friday that the ac- cused had entered the courtroom at Ennis courthouse during a sitting of the court the previous day.
‘He was in a very intoxicated state and was asked to leave. He was roar- ing and shouting. He produced a glass bottle of vodka from his pock- et,” said Inspector Galvin.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had no business in the courtroom the previous day. He had been drinking in town and made his way to the courthouse.
‘He has developed a very serious addiction. He has no recollection whatsoever about what happened yesterday. He is anxious to get back on track,” said Ms Godfrey.
Ryan told the court he is currently doing community service. Judge Mangan replied, “You are serving community service at the moment
and you came in here yesterday be- having like a lunatic.”
Ryan then apologised for his be- haviour and said he did not remem- ber the incident. His brother told the court he was trying to get a place for the accused in a treatment centre. Bail was granted and the accused will re-appear in court in February.