This article is from page 17 of the 2013-03-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
A KILRUSH man in “dire need of help” to fight a heroin addiction has had his case adjourned until April.
Grave concern was expressed for the health of Anthony Sweeney (20) at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Friday.
Mr Sweeney was in court having pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary at Dysart, Kilrush on June 26 (2012).
The court heard that the accused and another man were seen searching a car outside a house in a rural are of West Clare.
The court heard a set of keys had been taken from the house.
The offenders fled on bikes to a wooded area after being disturbed and the gardaí were called.
Mr Sweeney, with an address at 13 Wood Road, Kilrush, was subsequently arrested and made admissions to gardaí.
Detective Garda Donal Corkery of Kilrush Garda Station gave evidence in the case.
The court heard Det Corkery has taken an active interest in the welfare of Mr Sweeney by regularly liaising with the Sweeney family.
He said the accused suffers from a chronic addiction to heroin. Det Corkery told the court he had “grave concerns” for the health and wellbeing of Mr Sweeney due to his drug addiction.
He said he would consent to an adjournment of the case on the basis that Mr Sweeney was remanded in custody.
Det Corkery said, “I believe he is in dire need of help in terms of his drug addiction and he won’t get it himself.”
The court heard Mr Sweeney’s family have been left “very, very drained” by the impact of drug abuse.
Counsel for Mr Sweeney, Mark Nicholas BL, told the court that heroin abuse is an “awful course to be afflicted with.”
Judge Gerard Keyes remarked that this was the third case that day he had dealt with where a lack of residential treatment places for drug users had emerged as an issue in sentencing.
Mr Nicholas said, “They (addicts) are a voiceless people who cannot march on the Dáil Éireann (to be heard).”
Judge Keyes said greater availability of drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities would save money for the State in the long term.
Judge Keyes said that if Mr Sweeney went back on the streets without access to appropriate services, “the chances of re-offending because of drug use would be high.”
Judge Keyes said that irrespective of there being no violence involved, he regarded Mr Sweeney’s offence as a serious one.
“People are entitled to reside safe in bed at night,” he added.
Sentencing was adjourned until April 16, pending involvement from the Probation Services. Mr Sweeney was remanded in custody.