Man 'was drinking three litres of vodka a day'
'I'm begging for help, I'm sick of this s...'
A man who broke into the home of his former girlfriend’s father and who damaged an electric gate while climbing it received two custody terms of ten months each at Naas District Court.
Shane Mulligan, 32, whose address was given as Ballinakill, Enfield, was prosecuted for a number of offences on dates between July 26, 2020 and October 4, 2023.
The court heard that the offences took place in the areas of Kilcock, Enfield and Rathcoffey.
On one occasion he was seen jumping over the back walls of three houses and the offences included branches of the Public Order Act as well as trespass and criminal damage
The court was told that he believed he was being chased when he jumped the walls.
The court heard that he has 25 previous convictions and had been in custody for almost two months.
The defendant told the court his 16 day old child died and he was drinking three litres of vodka a day and his mental health “started to go.”
He told Judge Zaidan “I need help” when the judge asked him why he could staff off alcohol in prison but not outside prison.
“I’m begging for help, I'm sick of this shit,” he said, adding he wouldn't get proper treatment in custody.
The defendant, who has 25 previous convictions, said every one of the cases before the court arose from alcohol.
A victim impact statement written by his ex-girlfriend stated that the break-in at the house left her terrified and her dad’s mental health has suffered.
She said he now fears for his safety and his family's safety and it is difficult to go to sleep.
The defendant had a shovel and kicked the door and threatened to burn the house down
Judge Desmond Zaidan said he would send the defendant to an in house treatment centre if he could but there are no such facilities.
He said the defendant’s problem is addiction to alcohol. Noting the defendant broke in through the utility room door he said his ex-girlfriend should feel safe in her own home.
The judge also said he noted the defendant’s guilty plea and his remorse. He backdated the 20 month term to allow for time spent in custody.