A DISTRICT court judge asked a Ballinascarthy man if he has a drink problem after hearing he was arrested for his own safety just weeks after appearing in court for a similar offence of intoxication in a public place.

Judge Joanne Carroll had been dealing with the case of Peter Delacy of Droumgarriffe, Ballinascarthy, Clonakilty at a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court.

Mr Delacy, who was unrepresented in court, pleaded guilty to being drunk in a public place.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told the court that at 5.05pm on January 28th last Gda Oonagh Collins observed the accused walking down Edward Twomey Street in Clonakilty.

‘He was unable to stand and had to be supported and wasn’t able to speak due to his intoxication. He was arrested for his own safety and conveyed to Clonakilty Garda Station where he was charged with the offence,’ said Sgt Mulcahy.

The court heard that he has one previous conviction for a similar offence and received a probation bond in court on December 12th last.

Mr Delacy admitted to Judge Carroll that he does have a problem with alcohol and said his assigned probation officer hadn’t got back to him since his last court appearance in December.

Judge Carroll said she would strike out the case provided he paid €50 to the court poor box.

‘I will convict you if the money isn’t handed in and you need to deal with your alcohol problem,’ added the judge.