Man asks for last chance to go ‘on the loose’ today

A man who has notched up 41 bench warrants, all as a result of his alcohol consumption, wanted one last chance yesterday so he could spend St Patrick’s Day “on the loose”.

Richard O’Brien, aged 44, of of Ardshanavooley, Killarney, Co Kerry, was in custody before the special sitting of Killarney District Court yesterday having been arrested on a drink-related public-order charge in Killarney.

A total of 41 bench warrants had been issued for him including two from Wexford and from Cork which were before yesterday’s special sitting.

Insp John Brennan said Mr O’Brien had “an all-time record” in terms of bench warrants in a Kerry court and the State was objecting to bail.

However, his solicitor Padraig O’Connell said Mr O’Brien would like one last chance.

Fines of over €700 were outstanding and even if he cleared those he would still need in the region of €2,000 to lodge in court as surety, said Judge James O’Connor.

However, he could not walk out of the court having acquired 41 warrants, the judge said.

Mr O’Brien was remanded in custody to Cork District Court on March 19 and to Wexford on March 23.