Fine for Donegal man found asleep under lorry while caring for child
A Newtowncunningham man found asleep under a lorry following reports that he was drunk while caring for a child has been fined in court.
Adam Devenney, a 32-year-old of Hawthorn Hill, Newtowncunningham, appeared before Judge Emile Daly at Letterkenny District Court.
He was charged in connection with an incident on July 4, 2025 at Altaghderry, Killea.
Devenney was not legally represented due to the ongoing industrial action by criminal legal aid solicitors, but told Judge Daly that he wished to represent himself. Devenney confirmed that he was pleading guilty.
Devenney was charged with an offence of being intoxicated in a public place. The charge is contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins outlined the incident to the court.
Sergeant Collins said that Gardai received a report about an intoxicated male at 5.30pm. The man had a young child in his care at the time and when Gardai arrived he said that a grandmother was there to take the child.
Following a search, Devenney was found asleep under a lorry and was arrested for his own safety.
Addressing the court, Devenney told Judge Daly that he doesn’t work and is in receipt of social welfare.
Devenney was asked by Judge Daly if he sometimes drinks alcohol to excess and he replied: “I do, aye.”
Judge Daly enquired if he may need help and Devenney said: “Possibly”.
The accused man added: “I don’t drink all the time, like.”
Judge Daly warned Devenney: “That can’t happen again.” The defendant accepted the judge’s comments.
Sergeant Collins said that Devenney has no previous convictions in this jurisdiction, but had five from other jurisdictions, including a common assault conviction for which he received a suspended sentence in Northern Ireland and a charge of driving while disqualified in the Isle of Man.
Judge Daly convicted Devenney and fined him €100, allowing four months to pay.