West Cork man picks up 45th conviction for public intoxication

'Do you think it's time to get a grip on this,' asks judge — to which defendant says he is 'probably right'

The court heard that gardaí were called to attend to an individual who was sitting on the footpath near the courthouse in Clonakilty. File picture: Dan Linehan

A Cork man with 44 previous convictions for public intoxication picked up his 45th conviction for the same offence at a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told the court that gardaí were called to attend to an individual who was sitting on the footpath near the courthouse in Clonakilty at 11.18pm on September 19, 2025.

They found Stephen Tanner, aged 32, of Woodlands, Clonakilty, in a highly intoxicated condition.

Tanner was so drunk he was deemed a danger to himself and to others. 

Gardaí took him home to the care of his father who agreed to take responsibility for him and not allow him out on the street while he was still drunk.

A fixed penalty notice was issued but Tanner failed to pay the fine and was summonsed to court. 

The court was told that Tanner had 56 previous convictions, 44 of which were for public intoxication.

Judge Andrew Cody asked Tanner: “With 44 previous convictions do you think it’s time to get a grip on this?” 

Tanner replied that the judge was “probably right” and he should do something about it. 

Tanner was fined €50 and given three months to pay the fine.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme