Mayo man receives suspended sentence for carrying knife while intoxicated

A FIFTY-nine-year-old man who was carrying a four-inch work blade while highly intoxicated in Westport has received a three month suspended prison sentence.

Kieran Conway of 4 Burleigh Court, Ellison Street, Castlebar appeared before Castlebar District Court where he pleaded guilty to possession of a knife as well as intoxication in a public place on November 30, 2024.

The court heard that at approximately 11.05pm, gardaí in Westport were informed that a highly intoxicated gentleman was threatening other people in the Jester Bar. A short time later, a male matching the description of the man in the Jester was located at Danny's Bar on Castlebar Street.

Court presenter, Sergeant Conor McShane, explained that when searched a four inch folding knife was found in the defendant's pocket and he was arrested.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for the defendant said his client accepted he was highly intoxicated on the night but explained that he used the knife to make blackthorn sticks.

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Over indulged

JUDGE Vincent Deane was told that Mr Conway had not intended to go drinking as he had not drank in a number of years but had 'succumbed to his demons' after meeting friends and had over indulged.

Mr Mulchrone said there was nothing sinister about Mr Conway having a knife in his pocket but Judge Deane commented that while he appreciated he did not produce the knife, he pointed out that the defendant was highly intoxicated and as such his judgement is off and this brings a level of danger to other people.

The court was told that Mr Conway has a number of previous convictions but Mr Mulchrone said he had none since 2017 and since this incident he spent four months in the Cluain Mhuire rehabilitation centre. Mr Mulchrone said his client wished to apologise to everyone he encountered on the night.

Judge Deane commented that Mr Conway has built-up a track record of previous convictions and he wants to see him turn a corner. He warned him that carrying a knife causes a danger to other people and he did not want to be caught with a knife in a social setting again.

He sentenced Mr Conway to three months imprisonment but suspended the entirety of the sentence for one year.