Kildare man with 189 convictions asks for 18 months in prison
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who pulled a knife during a row outside Athy courthouse asked for an 18-month sentence to help him through his alcoholism, was instead given nine months in prison from the day of his hearing, which would not impinge on his predicted release date from prison in October.
“This is not the first time I’ve helped you, I’m not helping you again,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan to Stephen Martin (34), c/o Peter McVerry Trust, Kerdiffstown House, Naas, but formerly of Rheban Manor, Athy, who appeared in court for sentencing from custody where he is serving a jail term for an unrelated incident.
The judge had given Martin the very same treatment almost exactly a year ago, for drunkenly threatening the staff in an Italian restaurant in Athy.
This time Inspector Brian Norton told how gardaí were called to Barrow Quay on 27 May 2024 after reports of a man “producing a weapon, contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act outside the Courthouse”.
“It was a Stanley-type knife,” said Inspector Norton.
“Not brandishing?” asked the judge.
“No, judge. He was involved in a dispute and produced it … then he threw it into the Barrow to dispose of it,” said the Inspector, adding that Mr Martin had 189 previous convictions over the past 15 years.
“Every time he tries to do himself any good, tragedy ensues,” said Donncha Craddock, defending.
“Alcoholism is his problem, and so he is asking for 18 months in prison to be imposed.
“It has been a plague on his life, which has also been very, very tragic.
“He had two children, one of whom died when only three years old, and very soon after his grandmother died.
“I have a letter here from Merchant’s Quay Ireland confirming he is awaiting admission there for treatment.
“At one point he had to choose between his parents and alcohol.
“He has promised his partner that this is to be his last charge, and he has a release date in October 2026,” said Mr Craddock.
“Mr Martin has submitted two very well-written pages,” noted the judge, confirming the mitigatory defence of Mr Craddock.
He then sentenced Martin to another nine months in jail, but ordered it be served from the date of sentence on account of his early plea of guilty.
“This is not the first time I’ve helped him, and I’m not helping you again,” warned the judge.
“189 convictions in 15 years is very bad,” he concluded.
