Sligo man (37) found with knife in his jacket pocket has case adjourned
The Sligo ChampionA 37-year-old man who was found with a knife in his jacket pocket had his case adjourned at Sligo District Court.
Jonathan Goodwin (37) of Shalomar Hostel, Sligo was charged with the possession of a knife at John Fallon Drive, Cranmore, Sligo on April 4, 2025.
Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that at 7:08pm, gardaí were on mobile patrol when they observed Goodwin acting suspiciously. The defendant was searched and a knife was found in his right jacket pocket. Goodwin was arrested and conveyed to Sligo Garda Station.
A photo of the knife was handed to Judge Éiteáin Cunningham.
The court heard that Goodwin had 51 previous convictions.
Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor (defending), told Judge Cunningham that the last year was difficult for her client as he lost his father.
She added that Goodwin had started attending an addiction clinic in the last two years. She continued that her client told gardaí that he had the knife for his own protection.
Ms Spellman said that Goodwin had got on very well with the probation services in the past.
Judge Cunningham said that it was a very serious matter. She added that Goodwin’s previous convictions were an aggravating factor.
Judge Cunningham adjourned the case to July 16 for a probation and welfare report to consider Goodwin’s suitability for community service.
Also before the court was Lee Young (36) of Garavogue Villas, Sligo who was charged with stealing goods valued at €26.69 from Tesco, O’Connell St, Sligo on June 5, 2022. He was also charged with stealing goods valued at €37.99 from TK Maxx, Quayside Shopping Centre, Sligo on November 30 and stealing property worth €27.99 from the same shop on December 3, 2023.
Sgt Butler informed Judge Cunningham that no goods were recovered from any of the three thefts.
Ms Spellman told Judge Cunningham that her client had an addiction to alcohol and drugs at the time of the offences. She added that for the last three months, Young has been clean and sober. She asked Judge Cunningham if she would direct a probation report for her client.
Judge Cunningham directed a probation report for Young for his suitability for community service. After being deemed suitable for community service, Judge Cunningham directed Young to do 140 hours in lieu of a four month sentence.
Also at Sligo District Court, Paul Byrne (67) of Connolly Park, Tubbercurry was charged with stealing four bottles of Paddy’s Special Whiskey valued at €192, two packets of Fairy Dishwasher tablets valued at €30, and two bottles of Bold Conditioner valued at €20 from Whiteside Supervalu on November 18, 2025. He was also charged with stealing four bottles of Paddy’s Special Whiskey valued at €192 from the same shop on November 21, 2025.
Mr John Anderson, solicitor (defending) told Judge Cunningham that there was a letter from the CEO of charity Social Groundforce, Mr Melville before the court and that his client had paid the money back to Supervalu.
Judge Cunningham noted that Byrne had a relapse and directed him to enter a probation bond for 12 months and that he follow all recommendation from the probation service during that time.
Anthony Steeles (35) of Cranmore Drive, Cranmore, Sligo was charged with the possession of cocaine at John Fallon Drive, Cranmore on July 22, 2023.
Sgt Butler told the court that at 9:25am, gardaí execeuted a search warrant at the defendant’s address and found cocaine valued at €20 in his bedroom. Steeles co-operated fully with gardaí and admitted that it was for his own personal use.
The court heard that Steeles had 14 previous convictions.
Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor (defending) told Judge Cunningham that his client was making good progress on overcoming his addiction. He added that Mr Audrey Melville (CEO of Social Groundforce) had written a letter to the court. Mr Mullaney continued that Steeles was hopeful that he was on the road to recovery.
Nothing his previous convictions, Judge Cunningham fined Steeles €150.
Gondayi Blessing Munorwa (28) of St John’s Terrace, Sligo was charged with the possession of cannabis at Riverside, Sligo on September 13, 2025.
Sgt Butler told the court that at 11:58am, gardaí noticed Munorwa acting suspiciously and fidgeting with his pockets. The defendant was stopped and searched and gardaí located €50 worth of cannabis. Munrowa co-operated fully with gardaí and admitted that it was for his own personal use.
The court heard that Munrowa had one previous conviction for a road traffic offence.
Mr John Anderson, solicitor (defending), asked Judge Cunningham not to mark a conviction against his client.
Judge Cunningham directed Munrowa to make a €200 donation to Family Cancer Support Centre, Wine St, Sligo and struck the matter out.
Lubomyr Schusterovi (30) of Tully’s Hotel, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon was charged with being intoxicated at the Garavogue Bar, Stephen St Car Park, Sligo, on July 13, 2024.
Sgt Butler told the court that at 11:45pm, gardaí received a report of a drunk man causing a disturbance after being refused entry in the Garavogue Bar. Upon arrival, gardaí observed Schusterovi being highly intoxicated, unsteady on his feet and stumbling on the footpath. He was arrested for his own safety.
The court heard that Schusterovi had no previous convictions.
Mr Anderson confirmed that his client would be able to make a €100 donation to Little Blue Heroes. Judge Cunningham struck the case out.
James Lawlor (23) of Ballinafad, Co. Westmeath was charged with the possession of ketamine on Kempton Promenade, Sligo on September 20, 2023.
Sgt Butler told the court that the ketamine was valued at €50.
Mr Anderson told Judge Cunningham that his client had €350 in court to donate to charity.
Judge Cunningham directed Lawlor to make a €350 donation to Sligo Cancer Support Centre, Wine St, Sligo. She warned the defendant that he would only get one chance from the court.
Thomas Howley (27) of Harbour Court Apartments, Sligo was charged with the possession of cocaine at his address on November 11, 2023.
Sgt Butler told the court that at 5:40pm, gardaí executed a search warrant at the defendant’s property and found cocaine valued at €250. Howley co-operated fully with gardaí and said that it was for his own personal use.
The court heard that Howley had no previous convictions.
Mr Anderson told Judge Cunningham that his client had €500 to donate to charity.
Judge Cunningham directed Howley to donate €500 to Hope House and struck the case out.
Shayne Snee (32) of Baker’s Court, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal was charged with the possession of cannabis on Temple St, Sligo on September 21, 2025.
Sgt Butler told the court that at 6:15pm, gardaí observed the defendant acting suspiciously. Gardaí found €60 worth of cannabis on Snee who co-operated fully with them and admitted that it was for his own personal use.
The court heard that he had one previous conviction.
Ms Abigail Livingstone, solicitor (defending), told Judge Cunningham that her client co-operated fully with gardaí and asked her to be as lenient as possible.
Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.