County Limerick court hears that intoxicated men were at ‘all night house party’

A GARDA encountered two drunk young men, who had been at a house party all night, at 7.15am in Ballylanders.

Thomas Cotter, aged 21, of Moher Crescent, Mitchelstown pleaded guilty to intoxication. Brian Murphy, aged 25, of Linden Hall, Mitchelstown made no appearance in Kilmallock Court on the same offence.

Garda Dino Wilkinson said at 7.15am on April 15, 2018, he observed Mr Cotter in an intoxicated state on Main Street, Ballylanders.

“He was slurring his words and was unsteady on his feet. He said he had been at a house party all night and was returning to Mitchelstown.

“I dealt with it by way of a fixed charge penalty notice which went unpaid,” said Garda Wilkinson.

Kevin Power, solicitor of Mr Cotter, said his client forgot to pay the fine.

“He appreciates the way the garda dealt with it. 

“He apologises to the court - he knows he should have paid the fine,” said Mr Power.

Judge Marian O’Leary fined Mr Cotter €100.

Garda Wilkinson said at the same time, date and location he observed Mr Murphy in an intoxicated state.

“He said he was at a house party. He was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. I dealt with it by way of a fixed charge penalty notice. It remains unpaid,” said Garda Wilkinson. Mr Murphy wasn’t in court.

Judge O’Leary found the facts proven and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.