Bookmaker ‘destroyed my life’

A 32-year-old man charged with causing €17,500 damage to a Paddy Power’s outlet by smashing 12 55in TV screens said the bookmaker had destroyed most of his life.

Philip Barry, aged 32, was arrested and brought before Cork District Court charged with causing the criminal damage to Paddy Power on Cornmarket St, Cork, on Tuesday, June 4.

During Barry’s bail application, Inspector Ann Marie Twomey, asked the defendant, “Have you a problem with Paddy Power’s?”

The defendant, who is of no fixed address, replied: “Yeah, I gambled. They destroyed most of my life.”

Philip Barry said this was not his normal behaviour and that it was totally out of character for him.

Judge Olann Kelleher asked the defendant where he was sleeping at the moment. Barry said he had been sleeping on the streets for the last few weeks or months.

At another stage in his bail application, he said: “I had nothing to live for, I had no family, no friends. I did it to try and get some help. I didn’t want to be on the streets. I just lost it.”

Judge Kelleher said: “I am concerned about this man’s health. I remand him in custody until June 12 and I am looking for a psychiatric report from the prison.”