Sligo man (32) told gardaí that he had a knife for his own protection after being arrested for intoxication
The Sligo ChampionA 32-year-old man told gardaí he had a knife for his own protection when he was searched after being arrested for intoxication. He was amongst a number of defendants before Sligo District Court.
Stephen McCarrick of Woodville Court, Second Sea Road, Sligo was charged with being intoxicated and having a black knife at Quay St, Sligo on August 21, 2025.
Sergeant David McDonagh told the court that at 3:51am, gardaí were on duty when they observed a highly intoxicated man being unsteady on his feet. McCarrick was arrested for his own safety.
Gardaí also searched the defendant and found a knife. McCarrick told them that it was for his own protection.
The court heard that the defendant had two previous convictions which were for road traffic.
Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor (defending), told Judge Éiteáin Cunningham that because McCarrick was intoxicated he foolishly told gardaí that he had the knife for his own protection. He explained that his client worked as a courier and that he uses a knife daily for opening packages.
Mr Mullaney said that McCarrick did not get any threats from anybody and that he was not a threat to anybody.
Judge Cunningham said that it was a very serious charge and that she accepted that he used the knife for work purposes. She added that McCarrick should have been conscious that he had a knife and should have assured that it would be removed when he finished work.
Noting that he had no previous convictions for similar behaviour, Judge Cunningham fined McCarrick €350 for the possession of a knife. She took into consideration the other charge.
McCarrick was told by Judge Cunningham that he must not carry anything of that nature going forward.
Also before Sligo District Court was Kamil Milczarek (43) of Shalomar Hostel, Sligo. He was charged with engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Caltragh Road, Sligo on April 8.
Sgt McDonagh told the court that at 3:40pm, gardaí were on duty when they noticed Milczarek asleep on the footpath. After being woken up, gardaí noted that there was a strong smell of liquor from him.
Milczarek became abusive and aggressive to gardaí and people passing him on the footpath after being woken up.
The court heard that Milczarek had 18 previous convictions.
Mr Mullaney told Judge Cunningham that his client had an alcohol addiction. He added that Milczarek regretted what he said to gardaí. He continued that his client fully accepted that he was arrested for his own safety.
Judge Cunningham fined Milczarek €200.
Les Payne (67) of Ashbrook, Castlebaldwin was charged with being intoxicated at John St, Sligo on March 31.
Sgt McDonagh told the court that at 3:38pm, gardaí were speaking to Payne who was highly intoxicated when he fell to the ground. He was arrested for his own safety.
The court heard that Payne had 22 previous convictions.
Mr John Anderson, solicitor (defending), told Judge Cunningham that his client had surgery next week and asked her to be as lenient as possible.
Nicholas Stevens (20) of Baile an Chnoc, Dromore West, Sligo was charged with the possession of cocaine on Pearse Road, Sligo on November 11, 2025.
Sgt McDonagh told the court that at 4:10pm, gardaí noticed Stevens driving in a suspicious manner as he appeared to be trying to evade them. He was stopped and spoken to and gardaí found two bags of cocaine on the rear seat.
The defendant took full responsibility for the two bags.
The court heard that Stevens had no previous convictions and that the two bags were valued at €175.
Mr Mullaney told Judge Cunningham that his client was aware of the court’s attitude to the offence and brought a sum of money with him.
Judge Cunningham directed Stevens to donate €500 to the Sligo branch of Brain Injury Ireland and struck the matter out.
Ben McCann (24) of Mountain View, Tubbercurry was charged with the possession of cannabis at Holborn Hill, on September 12, 2025.
Sgt McDonagh told the court that gardaí stopped and searched McCann’s car and found cannabis valued at €20.
The court heard that McCann had two previous convictions.
Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor (defending), told Judge Cunningham that her client was a scaffolder and that his exams were coming up. She added that McCann’s previous convictions were not related to his matter before court.
Noting that he had no previous convictions for similar offences, Judge Cunningham directed the defendant to make a €200 donation to Sligo Hospice and struck the matter out.
Jason Kane (54) of no fixed abode, was charged with the possession of cannabis at Mullen’s Spar car park, Bundoran Road on October 24, 2024.
Sgt McDonagh told the court that the drug was valued at €30 and that Kane informed gardaí that it was for his own personal use.
The court heard that Kane had no previous convictions.
Mr Anderson told Judge Cunningham that his client had fallen on hard times and that he was in homeless accommodation.
Judge Cunningham directed Kane to make a €100 donation to Sligo Hospice by October 15.
Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.