Laois man with 132 convictions jailed for Christmas offences he can't remember

A Laois man with a long list of convictions has added and more getting a jail sentence in the process for a Christmas incident he he has little recollection of. 

Darren McInerny, with an address at New Road in Portlaoise, Co Laois, but who is currently serving a custodial sentence for another offence, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Thursday, May 18.

Gardaí informed Judge Desmond Zaidan that on December 23 last, the 36-year-old was involved in a public disorder incident while he was heavily intoxicated.

Then, the following day (Christmas Eve last) Mr McInerney was invited back into a property on Eyre Court, Newbridge, by two women, who wished to smoke crack cocaine and heroin with him.

When he was asked to leave following an altercation, he damaged the door to the residence, causing around €450 worth of damage.

Addressing Judge Zaidan, Mr McInerny, who appeared via video-link, said: "I’m off everything now, Judge. I just want to go home to my wife and kids, I went down a bit of a wrong path."

He also offered to pay for the damages caused to the door.

Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob noted that he has 132 previous convictions, most of which were for road traffic and public disorder offences.

Defending barrister Aisling Murphy said that her client had a little-to-no recollection of the event.

She also said that he has since made amends with the mother of his children and has gotten back with her, has received enhanced prisoner status, and is seeking treatment for substance abuse in prison, in addition to undertaking an anger management course.

"He knows this is a big ask, but he is seeking for any sentences you may impose to run concurrently with his present sentence," Ms Murphy added.

Judge Zaidan convicted the accused and sentenced the Portlaoise man to six months in custody for the criminal damage offence, and took the other offences into consideration.

He also set his appeal at €250.