Cork court told addiction difficulties led to man's episodes of psychotic behaviour

Profound addiction difficulties led to episodes of psychotic behaviour from a 42-year-old man who has now pleaded guilty to multiple theft and public order offences committed recently in Cork city.

Michael O'Connor of no fixed address – and originally from Portlaoise - had previous convictions including two counts of burglary, three for robbery and three for theft.

Now at Cork District Court he has pleaded guilty to a whole series of new offences.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said in mitigation: "Mr O'Connor has work experience but because of health difficulties he has not worked in some time. He suffers seizure type problems and profound addiction difficulties leading to episodes of psychotic behaviour. 

"These periods have come over him relatively recently. He has multi-substance difficulties. He lost his residence in St Vincent's hostel (at Anglesea Terrace)," he added.

"Since he has been in custody he has accessed a methadone treatment programme and hopes to continue with treatment on his release."

Judge Mary Dorgan expressed particular concern about the fact that in the very recent past many of the crimes were committed: "I am going to look for probation report. All the offending is recent and there is a lot of it."

The judge remanded him in custody until October 1 for the preparation of a probation report.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the offences committed by the accused. 

Most recently, on the afternoon of August 29 at City Park House apartments he obstructed Garda Stephen Grogan and had to be handcuffed. He shouted at a woman present to remove items from his pockets, and she began to engage in this behaviour interfering with arrest.

Between April and July - predominantly in July - he carried out numerous thefts at premises including Penney's on Patrick Street, Michael Guiney's on Oliver Plunkett Street, Tesco Express on South Main Street, The Boardwalk on Lapps Quay, Cork, The Flying Enterprise on Barrack Street, Spar on MacCurtain Street and at Sullivan's Quay, JD Sports on Patrick Street, and Dunnes on Patrick Street.

He was found to be so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others at Cook Street, again at Grand Parade and finally in Ballinderry Park, Mayfield.