Longford District Court: Relentless thefts forced man out of Longford

John Williams, with an address at 104 Auburn Heights, Athlone, Co Westmeath was found guilty last week by Judge Seamus Hughes of being found intoxicated in a public place and of using threatening and abusive behaviour.

Both of those incidents, under Sections 4 and 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 took place at Longford Train Station on December 8 2017.

Mr Williams had, the court was told, appeared at a previous sitting of Longford District Court with the case being adjourned.

His solicitor said at the time his client had been residing at St Martha’s Hostel, a facility run by St Vincent de Paul for men in need of emergency accommodation and support.

It was also revealed since the incident and his client’s arrest, Mr Williams had been alcohol free since Christmas and had since moved to Athlone in search of permanent accommodation.

“I couldn’t afford any (drink) since January,” said Mr Williams, as he addressed Judge Hughes.
“That’s why I pulled out of Longford, I was getting robbed left, right and centre.”

Asked as to his current place of residence, Mr Williams was reluctant to state his address in open court, preferring instead to say he was living with a friend.

His solicitor intervened, noting that Mr Williams was quietly optimistic of securing a permanent living quarters by last Friday.

Upon hearing that testimony, Judge Hughes fined Mr Williams €105 for the Section 6 charge, giving him three months to pay.
The accompanying Section 4 charge was struck out.