Drunken father convicted of ill-treating young son

A 37-years-old man, who was in a highly intoxicated state while as he cared for his young son, admitted that he had made a terrible mistake at Galway District Court.

Judge Mary Fahy said that it was important to record a conviction against the man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child (7).

He pleaded guilty to wilfully ill-treating, neglecting, or abandoning his son at Fr Griffin Road on September 19 last, in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering to the child’s health or to seriously affect his wellbeing, contrary to Section 246 of the Children’s Act 2001.

Inspector Mick O’Dwyer told the court that at 1.25pm that day, Garda Kevin O’Flaherty was made aware of the situation.

“He was in an extremely intoxicated state,” the Inspector said of the defendant, who had been given access to his child for that particular weekend.

He was first spotted walking along Wolfe Tone Bridge, and then on to Fr Griffin Road, where he was approached by the Garda.

His solicitor, Brian Gilmartin, said that his client had a difficulty with alcohol, that he had been under financial pressure and had ‘fallen off the wagon’ as a result.

“He hasn’t seen his child since,” he said.

“There were bail conditions (to stay away), and he has complied fully.”

He added that his client had fought hard to gain access to his child prior to this event, and that he had been doing everything in his power to regain that trust, including engaging with the HSE, and dealing with his addiction.

However, the child’s mother, who was also in court, disputed this. She said that he had not attended rehab in October, November, or December, and had been out drinking since.

Judge Fahy said that while this was not a matter for her court, she urged the defendant to change his ways, if he ever wished to foster a relationship with his son.

“You are losing out – he won’t be seven all the time,” she said

She also noted that a report from the Child & Family Agency stated there were “no ongoing concerns” but said that it was important to record a conviction in this matter “going forward.”

The defendant was convicted and fined €500, and given six months to pay.

Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal, with conditions, that he refrains from alcohol and illegal substances pending the case being completed.