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Dundalk Leader 22nd August 2012
Man walked out of court A 36-year-old man who was offered the chance to do community service in lieu of jail walked out of court before he was free to go. Judge William Hamill gave David Kirk the option of avoiding jail when he admitted breaches of public order on two dates, and a charge of stealing two bottles of whiskey on one of the dates. The judge agreed to give him bail in a personal sum of €500. However, the judge after passing on to other cases noticed that the defendant “wandered off into the sunset” and was “unlawfully at large” not having signed his bail form. He said he presumed the Gardai would “perform their functions”. The defendant of no fixed abode and stated to be residing at the town’s Simon Community, appeared in custody at the holiday sitting of Dundalk Court on Thursday last after being remand-
ed from the previous week. Kirk who was stated to have 19 previous convictions and served jail sentences was before the court following separate incidents in town in April and earlier this month. Garda Inspector Martin Beggy said on April 29 last the defendant was observed striking a man at Dublin Street. The other man didn’t make an issue of the incident, but the defendant was found with a half bottle and a full bottle of whiskey. CCTV showed the defendant taking the two bottles from Tesco. He was also charged again with threatening abusive and insulting behaviour and with failing to comply with a Garda at Point Road on August 8. Sean T O’Reilly solicitor said that the defendant came from an exceptionally hard working and decent family. He was a chronic alcoholic with drug addiction
problems. Since he began representing him all of his offending was as a result of these problems. The public order offences tended to be “attention seeking exercises. He asked the Judge to take into consideration that the defendant spent a week in custody on the present matters before the court. Judge Hamill said he would give the defendant the chance to address his addiction problems. Kirk said he wished to do community service and was remanded to October 17th to be assessed and a report to be prepared on his suitability to do 100 hours instead of three months in jail. Judge Hamill remarked the defendant had a real choice to make. He wouldn’t be accepted if he turned up for his appointments with drink. He also wouldn’t deem him suitable unless he paid the €28.89, the value of whiskey that the store was at a loss, by the adjourned date.
Local people show generous spirit
Down Syndrome Ireland, as they recieved a cheque of €2500 euro last week with the much needed funds the result of a music fundraiser night. The Stephen Lynch Memorial Night, which took place in the Lisdoo Arms highlighted the truely generous spirit of local people. Locals, took to the floor and left their worries behind them as they were entertained by the many musicians performing. The funds rasied go straight to the Louth/Meath branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, helping them continue the invaluable support and resources they provide for people with Down Syndrome
living in the community. The night was organised by Anne Reilly, Daren Lynch, Mary Callan, Kathleen Duffy and Michael Kelly. Many thanks to the organisers and everybody
who gave their support. The cheque was presented to Peadar Keenan from Down Syndrome Ireland L/M Branch (far right) by Daren, Honnor and Wesley Lynch (left to right).
Karate students impress in Mayo Two young students from Jocelyn Street’s Martial Arts School of Fitness, journeyed recently to Castlebar to compete in the White Tiger Challenge. As part of the weekend there was a National Training Camp for those juniors heading off to Slovakia to represent Ireland in the upcoming
WAKO World Kickboxing Championships. Monique Martin, who is part of the Irish National team and is representing Ireland in the Worlds, had a rigorous weekend of training and practice before she took to the competitive arena against clubmate Enda in the -17yrs advanced weapons division. Deb-
uting her double sword form Monique successfully demonstrated her skills and achieved Gold, with Enda securing the Silver medal. The +17yrs division was next up for the MAS-F pair. Enda performed his Bo Staff form with speed and manipulation. Enda impressed the judges and
secured the Gold medal in this section. In a reversal of positions, Monique took the silver medal. The two students brought home two golds and two silvers and once again showed that MASF produce not only fantastic competitive students but, supportive team-mates.
News
in Brief Separated Parents
Jenny-Lee Fleming, Roisin Butterly and Andrew Kelly celebrating the Leaving Certificate results
The next Tuesday meeting of Parents Separated Support Group will take place on August 21. Those wishing on attending the meetings should confirm their intentions with Val on 085 7303609. Meetings are every second Tuesday, Cost €5 to include refreshments on arrival from 7:30pm until 9pm at Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street. Visit our website at :www.parentsseparated.org for details.