Addict struggles to make clean break

A man explained to a judge he was late for court because his washing machine broke down.

Daryll Cassells was two hours late for his appearance at Letterkenny District Court where he faced two charges of burglary. When asked why he was late by Judge Conal Gibbons, Mr Cassells, aged 20, blamed his washing machine.

Judge Gibbons asked what the washing machine had to do with him being late.

Mr Cassells, of 11 Orchard Court, Letterkenny, replied that he had no clean clothes.

“Oh well that’s okay then,” said the judge. “We couldn’t have you coming in here naked. That wouldn’t be good at all. The next time you’re coming to court, make sure you put your clothes in the washing machine the night before and put it on automatic.”

Mr Cassels faces two charges of burglary at LK Hair and Design and Grainne’s Beauty Salon at Larkin’s Lane, Letterkenny, on July 25 last. He previously told the court he had dabbled with drugs since he was eight years old and was now trying to get clean. He had moved out of Dublin in an effort to get away from the drugs scene there.

Judge Gibbons adjourned the case until August 20. “Make sure your washing machine is working by then,” he told the accused.