Portlaoise Court: Man found drunk and asleep in public toilets
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who was found asleep in the public toilets at Lyster Square in Portlaoise came before Portlaoise District Court on a public order offence.
Scott O’Brien of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in Lyster Square on 23 July.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that at 11.40pm on 9 July gardaí found the defendant asleep in the public toilets in Lyster Square.
“He was so intoxicated that when he attempted to stand up, he was very unsteady on his feet and had to be arrested for his own safety,” said the sergeant.
He said Mr O’Brien had 18 previous convictions.
Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her client was homeless, living on the streets and was relying on alcohol at the time.
She said her 32-year-old client had now found accommodation with a relative on condition that he refrains from alcohol.
Judge Susan Fay instructed Mr O'Brien to take part in the Athy Alterative Project, engages with the Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) and with his GP.
She adjourned the case to 19 January and told the defendant that, at that sitting, she wants a letter from each of the services and from his GP confirming his engagement with them.
