Courts / Dublin / Report
'Beware of gifts from neighbours,' judge warns after man drank fortified wine and played ukulele on street
Summary
A man who was found walking on a Dublin street in the early hours of the morning, playing the ukulele and appearing intoxicated, has avoided a conviction after a judge heard that he had unknowingly consumed fortified wine. Killian Denny, 52, pleaded guilty to three public order offences, including intoxication and failing to provide his name and address to gardaí. The court heard that the wine he consumed had been given to him by a neighbour, who he believed to be normal wine. Denny, who lives alone and suffers from serious diabetes-related illnesses, was unaware of the high alcohol content of the wine. His defence solicitor highlighted that the alcohol had a particularly bad effect on him due to his medical condition. Judge Conor Fottrell applied the Probation Act and struck out the charges without conviction. The judge warned that the case serves as a reminder to be cautious of gifts from neighbours, particularly those they may not want.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Beware of gifts from neighbours,' judge warns after man drank fortified wine and played ukulele on street. Charges or matters: three public order offences including intoxication, threatening or abusive behaviour and failing to provide his name and address to gardaí. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Incident
- 2026-05-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: three public order offences including intoxication, threatening or abusive behaviour and failing to provide his name and address to gardaí (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Adelaide Road
- Dublin
- Dún Laoghaire District Court
- of Irishtown Garda Station
- Irishtown
- Leeson Street
Topics
Public Order Stage Hearing Or Decision
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