This article is from page 24 of the 2013-05-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
HEAVY drug use led one young Ennis man from a life in college to searching for food in a wheelie bin, a court has heard.
Evan McCormack (29) developed serious mental health problems from smoking an extremely potent form of cannabis, Ennis District Court was told on Wednesday.
Mr McCormack appeared in court charged with intoxication at Roslevan, Tulla Road, Ennis on April 6 (2013). He has previously pleaded guilty to shoplifting offences committed in Dunnes Stores Ennis in August 2012.
Mr McCormack, with addresses at 38 Maiville, Kilrush Road, Ennis and 28 Castlerock, Tulla Road, Ennis, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court that sentencing had been adjourned on condition that Mr McCormack be of good behaviour.
Judge Patrick Durcan enquired if Mr McCormack was the same man he had previously been told had gone from studying in college to searching bins for food to survive.
Mr Hassett said he was, adding that Mr McCormack developed an extreme bi-polar disorder from smoking an extremely strong form of cannabis known as ‘skunk’.
Mr Hassett said his client had “es- sentially fried his brain” from smoking cannabis.
The court heard Mr McCormack is currently serving a sentence imposed at Galway District Court.
Judge Durcan said he was conscious that Mr McCormack had tried to address his problems “but had fallen.”
He said he did not penalise people who made such efforts.
The case was adjourned until July 24 for a report from the Probation and Welfare Services.