Cork court hears homeless man turned life around after getting place to live in Kerry

Sat, 14 Sep, 2024 - 09:00

Liam Heylin

A 54-year-old man getting into multiple difficulties through alcohol addiction and being homeless in Cork city got his wish of a place to live in Tralee and he has turned his life around dramatically.

Judge Mary Dorgan said she would have described Gerard Knightley as a “frequent flyer” in Cork District Court. However, the judge noted that there has now been a dramatic turnaround in his life and that he was visibly healthier looking as he presented himself in court for sentencing on older offences.

Turning to the probation report, the judge said: “This is very positive. And you got your wish to go back to Tralee. And you have managed to put matters behind you.”

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said: “It just shows what accommodation can do for people.”

Judge Dorgan said: “I am going to put you a probation bond for 18 months . You should continue to reside at Harbour House in Tralee, continue to engage with alcohol treatment and attend all probation appointments and abide by their recommendations.”

The offences for which he was put on the probation bond included

January 22, 2023: when he was begging at Bridge Street
November 22, 2023: when he was threatening and abusive and drunk and a source of danger when he refused to leave the bus stop at Marymount hospice, Curraheen Road, Bishopstown
February 9, 2024: when he was drunk and a danger at St Patrick’s Hill
February 28, 2024: at Silversprings Road, Mayfield, Cork, when he was engaging in threatening behaviour with gardaí by clenching his fists and telling them to 'fuck off'

Mr Knightley was warned that if he didn’t remain on the probation bond for 18 months then he could be sentenced for the charges before the court.

As the hearing concluded, Judge Dorgan said to Mr Knightley: “I mean this in the nicest possible way — I hope I never see you again.”

He replied: “Thank you, your honour.”