2026-03-26
'How can we help this man if he's not willing to help himself?' - offender given 'one final opportunity' to address alcohol issues
Stage: Sentence
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said the purpose of probation was to help the defendant address the underlying alcohol problem, adding: "How can we help this man if he is not willing to help himself?" The judge said the easiest option would be to impose a six-month custodial sentence, but he did not wish to see Doyle lose his accommodation or support. Judge Cooney warned that if Doyle failed to engage, he would be back before the court facing a custodial sentence.