Cork man convicted of drunken incident 'putting himself in prison' over refusal to pay fines

Defence solicitor told court the 29-year-old had given him very clear instructions that he did not want to do community service or pay fines and he would take a prison sentence

Accused refused to pay fines or do community service and was opting for the third choice provided for in legislation — a prison sentence, court told.

A judge said she did not want to jail a man for failing to pay fines as the prisons were full, but she said he effectively sent himself to jail.

Judge Mary Dorgan said she would put the matter back to enable Ciaran O’Shea, of 111 St Colman’s Road, Farranree, Cork, to save up to start paying his fines. 

But defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said: “He is not going to pay.” Mr Cuddigan said the 29-year-old had given him very clear instructions that he did not want to do community service or pay fines and he would take a prison sentence.

Judge Dorgan replied: “I am not going to send him to prison as the prisons are full.” 

Mr Cuddigan repeated the accused would not pay fines or do community service and was opting for the third choice provided for in legislation — a prison sentence.

After options other than prison were closed off, Judge Dorgan said: “I am really sorry that he is literally putting himself in prison because of his failure deal with the probation service and pay fines.” 

She then imposed sentences totaling two months — primarily for his threatening behaviour during a drunken incident at Glasheen Road, Cork, in November 15 2021.

Gardaí informed him he was being arrested because he was so intoxicated he was a danger to himself.

Mr O’Shea shouted: “F*** off ye gomie c***s”, “F*** you and all belonging to you”, and also, “F*** you, ya f***ing yoke.” 

Mr Cuddigan said of the accused: “He did issue a series of vulgarities for which he apologises.”