Man loses phone, address & liberty, Kildare court hears

A MAN had to be held overnight in Garda custody because he didn’t know his address after he lost his phone following his arrest for being drunk in public.

Rafal Boretia (37), technically of no fixed abode, was arrested outside the High Cross pub in Moone on the night of 4 June after locals reported him for being a danger to himself, and likely to stumble into traffic.

At Naas District Court last week, Garda Colm Curran explained that he was in court from custody as they had no address to which they could release him.

“Have you an address?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“I have to use Google Maps,” said the defendant.

“You came to Ireland to go drinking?” asked the judge.

“No, I stay with my friends,” said Mr Boretia.

“Where?” pressed the judge.

“Irish words are very difficult for me,” he said through his translator.

“OK, sergeant. Switch on Google Maps and show me his address,” said the judge.

“I’ve lost my phone,” said the defendant.

“Where do you get them?” said the judge to Garda Curran.

“I don’t go looking for them,” smiled Garda Curran.

“He’s not a bad sort?” enquired the judge.

“No, judge. He wouldn’t be here if he had an address,” said Garda Curran.