A MAN found stumbling along Temperance Lane in Macroom had to be arrested for his own safety and the safety of others due to his high level of drunkenness, a court recently heard.

Jamie O’Keeffe (36) of 219 Comeragh Park, The Glen, Cork city, who did not appear in court, was charged with being drunk in a public place at Macroom District Court.

Sgt Trish O’Sullivan told Judge John King that at 6.40pm on September 28th last gardaí in Macroom were alerted about the accused who was in the Temperance Lane area of the town.

‘When gardaí came across the accused he was stumbling on the footpath and was barely able to walk. There was also a strong smell of alcohol from him,’ said Sgt O’Sullivan.

‘Gardaí arrested him as they considered him a danger to both himself and others and he was taken to Macroom Garda Station where he was charged with being drunk in a public place.’

The court heard that he has 46 previous convictions including 16 for public order offences.

Judge King convicted and fined him €400 giving him six months to pay the fine and recognisances in the event of an appeal was fixed in the defendant’s own bond of €400 with €200 of that to be paid in cash.