Man on heroin arrested for his own safety in Cork, court hears 

A 35-year-old man who had taken heroin was arrested for his own safety, when gardaí saw him leaning over a wall looking into the River Lee.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the defendant was observed by gardaí at Western Road, Cork City, on July 26.

“He was leaning over a wall, looking into the River Lee,” Sgt Lyons said.

Paul Bulman, 35, told gardaí that he was under the influence of drugs.

He admitted he had taken heroin.

Bulman had 125 previous convictions and is currently serving a sentence.

His solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said that Bulman was living at the Simon Community in Cork City recently, but had been living in a tent. 

At a recent case, the solicitor said, “His life has improved since. Not only is he residing in Simon, which is a significant step for him, but he is also accessing Simon facilities.”

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a €200 fine on Paul Bulman and said he could serve five days in prison, instead of the fine.