Drunken man sleeping on footpath in Cork city rolled out in path of oncoming motorbike 

A drunken man sleeping on the side of a high footpath on Douglas Street rolled on to the road into the path of an oncoming motorbike – but now a sentencing judge said a letter written by this man to the gardaí had shown great insight.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said at Cork District Court that the motorcyclist had to take evasive action in order not to collide with 41-year-old Nicholas Goulding of Dunmore Gardens, Knocknaheeny, Cork.

Mr Goulding pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others on October 2 2023 at Douglas Street, Cork.

But as well as being so intoxicated that he was a source of danger, he was threatening to assault gardaí present at the scene – behaviour which gave rise to a threatening charge to which he also pleaded guilty.

The following month there was another drunken incident involving the same man, this time at Daunt Square, Cork, on November 7 2023.

Again he stumbled out onto the road in front of traffic. 

He pleaded guilty to a second charge of being drunk and a danger on that occasion.

Mr Buttimer said the accused had written a letter of apology to the gardaí.

Judge Mary Dorgan said, “I think this is an excellent letter. It certainly shows a lot of insight into what is happening. A probation service report might be of assistance to him.” 

Mr Buttimer said the accused was off alcohol now for four weeks and availing of rehabilitation services for seven weeks.

And before going back on alcohol last year he had managed to stay off it for up to 14 months.

“He has always struggled to deal with alcoholism… He is trying to get into St. Francis Farm rehabilitation centre at the moment,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Dorgan put sentencing back until April 9, commenting, “There is great credit to him that he stayed off drink over the Christmas period.” 

As sentencing was adjourned until April, Nicholas Goulding said, “Thank you very much, your honour, I appreciate it.”