A defendant who admitted he has alcohol and drug issues when he appeared once again before Galway District Court on public order and other charges, was warned by a judge that she was giving the Gardaí permission to check up on whether he was undergoing treatment for his addictions.
Judge Fiona Lydon asked Albert O’Riordan, c/o Galway Simon, if he was availing of the addiction supports which the Simon Community has on offer.
“I’m seeing an addiction counsellor every Thursday,” he informed her. “I think you’ll probably have to do a bit more than that,” the judge replied.
Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast told the judge “there are a scatter of new matters before you” in relation to the defendant.
“What’s going on?” the judge asked. “This is incredible. There are so many charge sheets before me.”
Sgt Prendergast said the defendant has issues with both alcohol and drugs. The judge felt it might help if he consulted his GP regarding going on anti-booze medication as well as attending rehab.
Releasing him from custody on bail, she warned that his bail could be revoked if he didn’t follow through on treatment and she was giving the Gardaí permission to follow up on this.
Another bail condition was that he stay out of Eyre Square, High Street and Shop Street.
