Homeless man living in tent prosecuted for seeking food and shelter during Storm Amy

A probation report has been requested in the case of a homeless man who called to a house in Ennis looking for shelter and food during Storm Amy.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett was told the 36-year-old was the subject of a safety order at the time and that his actions on the night were in breach of that order.

Solicitor John Casey said his client was living in a tent at Ballyallia Lake at the time and that he went to the house to "ask if he could get food".

The defendant, who had a knife in his possession, pleaded guilty to breaching the terms of the safety order under Section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act.

Mr Casey said the offence occurred "out of desperation” and that his client did not represent a danger to anybody in the house. The knife charge was withdrawn following a request by the solicitor.

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Sergeant John Burke said the occupants of the house contacted gardaí following the incident and the defendant was subsequently arrested. He added that he has five previous convictions, including one for a breach of a similar court order in 2022.

His most recent previous conviction was for possession of drugs last year, which resulted in a €100 fine being imposed.

Mr Casey told the court his client regrets what happened and that he “wants to get going again” with his life.

Judge Gabbett noted the defendant does not suffer from any mental health issues but that he is ill and taking medication in prison.

After formally recording a conviction, the judge remanded the accused man in custody and requested that a probation report be prepared for the court.

He added that any sentence will be imposed “with the view of getting him help when he gets out”.