Man told by Mayo judge his drinking is 'making him a danger to himself'

A BALLYCROY man who is “too well known around the town” of Belmullet has been warned by a judge that his drinking habits could escalate to further offending if not curtailed.

Michael O’Driscoll, Bunmore, Ballycroy, pleaded guilty at Belmullet District Court to two separate incidents of public intoxication.

Garda Sarah Cosgrave told the court that last Tuesday, February 10, she was on mobile patrol at Carter Square, Belmullet, when O’Driscoll was observed in an intoxicated state walking across a roundabout before continuing down the road where cars were passing.

She arrested O’Driscoll as he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others.

Solicitor Ms. Samantha Geraghty said her client is someone who is “too well known around town” and, while he does not drink often, he drinks to excess when he goes socialising.

Judge Sandra Murphy told O’Driscoll that alcohol was bringing him into difficulty and he needs to curtail this behaviour.

“When you drink to that level, it brings you into danger. You were making yourself a danger to yourself and others and it could escalate to something more. You have to curtail your drinking.”

She imposed fines totalling €200.

* Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.