Munster Express Online

A mixture of alcohol and medication prescribed for anxiety had a “lethal” effect of a 23-year-old Waterford man, the District Court was told in Waterford, last week.
Brian Murphy with an address at Number 186, Ballybeg Square, Waterford, was sentenced to a total of nine months in prison when he pleaded guilty to burglary to WIT and the theft of a bicycle from the WIT Campus.
Garda Inspector Carmel Banville said that Gardaí on patrol found the defendant in possession of the bicycle and a hammer and a screw driver on October 19th, 2014.
On November 23rd, the Gardaí then arrested him for his own safety when he was found intoxicated and unsteady of his feet. He had previous convictions for theft, public order offences and attempted robbery.
Solicitor Hilary Delahunty, defending, said his client was given a two year suspended prison sentence in the Circuit Court in July 2015.
That sentence was hanging over him and if he committed another offence he would go to jail for two years.
Currently he was making huge efforts to address his addiction problem. He left St. Paul’s School at the age of 16 and worked for some time in the UK. Since receiving the suspended sentence he kept out of trouble and that was a struggle for him and his family. He had mental health issues but was now doing well.
Judge Kevin Staunton noted that the defendant received a severe sentence in the Circuit Court and it was to his credit that he remained out of trouble, but he had previous convictions for stealing. Imposing sentence the Judge said he would fix recognisance in the event of an appeal.

Man sent to trial for litany of charges
John Paul Smith (36) with an address at No 8, Ozier Close, Poleberry, Waterford, was returned for trial by Waterford District Court, last week, on three charges of possession of cannabis for sale or supply to another and two counts of “simple possession” of the drug at his address on May 6th, 2015. Judge Kevin Staunton remanded him on bail to Waterford Circuit Criminal Court until today, January 12th.

Woman (36) on burglary charges is granted bail
A 36-year-old South Kilkenny woman was granted bail in Waterford District Court, last week, on three charges of burglary at two schools and a private residence in the city.
Aoife Walsh, a native of Glenmore, with an address at No 17. St. Patrick’s Square, Waterford, is charged with burglary at the Mercy Convent, Waterford, at No 3, Ballinakill Close, Waterford, and De La Salle College, Waterford, on dates between December 11th and December 24th last.
Applying for an adjournment, Solicitor Hilary Delahunty, defending, said his client had been abusing heroin and needed a breathing space before her case was heard.
Judge Kevin Staunton remanded the defendant on bail to Waterford District Court on February 9th next. Bail conditions include residing at St Patrick’s Square and notifying the Gardaí of any change in address; abiding by a curfew and signing-on at Waterford Garda Station on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 9pm.