Man has left drug-fuelled life behind him, court docket advised

A Letterkenny man who’s earlier than the court docket on prices of possessing medicine, possessing a knife and theft has turned his life round to such an extent that he ought to now be thought to be a ‘success story’.

Solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher was addressing the case of Fintan Keeney.

The 23-year-old of Fairgreen Hill, Letterkenny, was charged with two counts of possessing medicine, two counts of possessing a knife, two incidents of theft and felony harm.

He appeared at Letterkenny District Courtroom this week accompanied by his mom.

Nevertheless, Choose Éiteáin Cunningham mentioned that it was now ‘encouraging’ how far Keeney had are available his makes an attempt to rehabilitate.

On April 18, 2019, Gardai have been on patrol after they noticed Keeney appearing ‘nervously’. When searched underneath the Misuse of Medication Act, amphetamine valued at €50 was situated.

On April 25, 2019, at 11.42pm, Gardai noticed Keeney rising from an alleyway at Port Highway in Letterkenny. Keeney noticed Gardai and tried to evade.

When caught, he was searched underneath the Misuse of Medication Act and €200 value of cocaine was situated on his particular person. Keeney made admissions and mentioned the cocaine was for his personal use.

At Lengthy Lane, Letterkenny on February 17, 2020, at 5.15pm, Gardai, who have been on patrol, noticed Keeney, who appeared ‘nervous’.

When searched underneath the Misuse of Medication Act, a big kitchen knife was situated in his jacket pocket. Keeney advised Gardai that the knife was for his ‘personal safety’.

On August 17, 2020 at 5.30pm, Gardai responded to an allegation of felony harm at North West Snooker Membership Flats in Letterkenny. Keeney was reported to have broken locks on the flats.

Throughout a follow-up search at Letterkenny Garda Station, after his arrest, a kitchen knife was discovered within the waistband of his tracksuit bottoms. Keeney advised Gardai that the knife was for his ‘personal safety’. The court docket heard that harm to the worth of €118.20 was brought on to the property and the proprietor has not been compensated.

On July 8, 2021, at 12pm, Keeney stole combined groceries from Spar at Glencar. The worth of the groceries was €27.95 and the objects weren’t returnable.

On September 29, 2021, Keeney entered Pennys at Letterkenny Buying Centre and stole a shirt valued at €20. Keeney picked up the shirt and proceeded to a unique space, the place he took off his hoodie. Keeney placed on the shirt and put the hoodie on over it earlier than leaving. Keeney was subsequently stopped by safety and was mentioned to have been ‘contrite’ whereas making admissions.

Keeney, who the court docket heard has no earlier convictions, spoke solely to verify pleas of responsible in every matter.

Mr Gallagher, Keeney’s solicitor, mentioned his consumer must be thought to be a ‘success story’ and mentioned his ‘tragic teenage years shouldn’t be fodder’.

“This can be a success, an extended, hard-fought success by him and his mom, who has stood by him,” Mr Gallagher mentioned. “He has acquired assist and his mom is right here to see the success.

“This isn’t a battle gained, however a battle ongoing.”

Mr Gallagher advised the court docket that Keeney is complying with all instructions from the Probation Providers and has damaged ties from individuals who have been beforehand a ‘hindrance’ in his life.

Choose Cunningham mentioned the issues have been ‘regarding’ to the court docket however, having thought-about a probation report, she mentioned the court docket was minded to afford Keeney the ‘greatest alternative’, acknowledging the ‘large steps and progress’ he has made.

Choose Cunningham adjourned the case till January 23, 2023. She mentioned the six-month adjournment would enable the accused an opportunity to additional interact with the suggestions of the Probation Service.

“It’s encouraging how far he has include the assist of his mom,” Choose Cunningham mentioned. “It’s fairly clear that she is a really supportive particular person in his life and that ought to be appreciated.”

Choose Cunningham mentioned Keeney ought to be ‘recommended’ for the steps he has taken and inspired him to proceed in that vein.

Man has left drug-fuelled life behind him, court docket advised was final modified: July fifth, 2023 by Workers Author