Limerick drug user has no plans to address his addiction, court told

A MAN who was offered the chance of receiving treatment for his drug addiction refused the opportunity when he appeared before Limerick District Court.

Michael Considine, aged 42, of Oliver Plunkett Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, pleaded guilty to three drugs charges when he appeared before Judge Catherine Ryan.

All of the charges relate to the possession of small amounts of cannabis, with the total value being €150.

Mr Considine has 63 previous convictions, including 13 for misuse of drugs, seven for public order, two for criminal damage, one for breach of the peace and one for money laundering.

Representing the defendant, solicitor Pauric Nesbitt said his client is on disability allowance and that around the time of the offences, Mr Considine’s grandmother, who he was looking after, had passed away.

It was Mr Nesbitt’s view that the accused had used drugs as a coping mechanism at the time.

The solicitor asked Judge Ryan to be as lenient as possible when sentencing, given that his client has a young daughter who lives with him.

The court was also informed that Mr Considine is not currently availing of any services to tackle his drug addiction and that he has no plans of doing so. Having heard this, Judge Ryan commented it was clear “he needs help.”

It was heard the defendant may attempt to address his addiction, without the help of the courts.

Judge Ryan said if this was to be the case, then she would have no choice but to impose a custodial sentence on the man, which would trigger a suspended sentence from 2024 also.

Responding to this, Mr Nesbitt informed Limerick District Court that his client has been an addict for many years. He said Mr Considine is aware that assistance is available to him but that his main priority is being there for his daughter. He added that he has engaged with the Probation Service previously.

Taking all submissions into consideration, Judge Catherine Ryan told the man: “I want to give you a chance but you have to be willing to participate”.

She directed that a probation report should be prepared in relation to Mr Considine.

He is due to appear before Limerick District Court again on December 11.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.