‘I was hooked on heroin and hooked on cocaine; I wouldn’t wish it on anyone’

A 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a number of theft, burglary and public order offences has taken huge steps to overcome his addictions, Ballyshannon District Court heard.

Jimmy Ward with addresses listed as 39 Barrack Hill, Belturbet, Cavan and 15 Armada Cottages, Bundoran, was before Ballyshannon District Court recently. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with credit to be given for time served. He is currently in prison for other matters which were dealt with at the circuit court, and he is receiving support for alcohol and drug addiction. 

The court heard that he has been off drink and drugs for 18 months, and is continuing to take every opportunity to assist him in his recovery. 

Ward pleaded guilty to the charges before the court, and elected for the theft matters to be heard in the district court rather than progressing to trial before judge and jury at the circuit court. 

On July 10, 2024 at St Aidan’s Church, Kinlough, Leitrim, Ward entered the sacristy and committed theft. 

And on November 15, 2022 at Riverside Hotel, Sligo, he entered the property as a trespasser and committed a theft therein. Both offences are contrary to Section 12(1)(b) and (3)of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. 

On March 5, 2024 at Adelaide Street, Knappagh Beg, Sligo, he stole €120 from an unlocked car, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. 

On June 18, 2024 at Sligo University Hospital, Ward trespassed in such a manner as was likely to cause fear in another person. The offence is contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 as amended by Section 2 of the Intoxication LIquor Act, 2008.

On June 21, 2024 at Ardkeeran, Riverstown, Sligo, he entered a parked vehicle. The offence is contrary to Section 113 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (as amended by Section 6 of the Road Traffic Act, 1968 and Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2006).

On the same date at Holiday Cottage, Ardkeeran, Riverstown, Sligo, he trespassed on  the curtilage of that property in a manner as caused or was likely to cause fear in another person. The offence is contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008

Ward admitted that on July 18, 2024 at Iarnród Éireann, Collooney Train Station, Collooney, he engaged in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. The offence is contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating LIquor Act, 2008. 

In relation to the same incident, he also faced a charge of being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself or others, contrary to Section 4 of the same act. 

Inspector Dermot Treacy told the court that in relation to the hotel theft, Ward was seen on CCTV taking coins valued at €10 from a charity box. 

Regarding the theft of €120 from a car, Ward was identified as having committed the theft. 

“The money was not recovered,” said the inspector. 

In relation to the incident at Sligo University Hospital, Inspector Treacy said: “There was a report of an incident. The defendant was arrested for trespass in part of the hospital where he shouldn’t have been.”

Regarding the offences in June 2024, the inspector said the defendant trespassed on private property and was intoxicated. While on the property, he attempted to enter an unlocked vehicle but failed to get into the car and was subsequently arrested. 

In respect of the theft from St Aidan’s Church, Ward stole cash from the safe, the court heard. 

For the offences relating to Iarnród Éireann, Inspector Treacy said the defendant was highly intoxicated and abusive on the train. 

The court heard that the defendant had 188 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Rory O’Brien said: “We all have a flavour and understanding of Mr Ward’s record and his previous convictions. 

“Jimmy now reaches the age of 36 years old, has come before the court for the last 20 years. He was introduced to offending at an early age. Said behaviour was unfortunately condoned by what authority figures were in his life at the time.”

The solicitor explained that what began as a pattern of alcohol use emerged into addiction at a young age. 

“It has been an ongoing issue since then,” he said. 

Mr O’Brien said there was a lot of addiction in the defendant’s family. 

“Jimmy took it further, going from alcohol to cannabis to cocaine to heroin,” said the solicitor.

“Heroin became his drug of choice. 

“His family believed that Jimmy had gone down a road so dangerous to himself that he was going to end up dead.”

The solicitor said Ward had a background of challenges which included poor literacy. 

“He moved to Monaghan where he had children and unfortunately suffered tragedy,” said Mr O’Brien.

He said that while some of Ward’s previous convictions included minor assaults, the vast majority arose from efforts to obtain cash to feed his addiction. 

Ward was given the opportunity to address the court. 

“I went down a very bad road with drink and drugs, and was always looking for money to feed the habit,” he said. 

“I am off the drugs for over 18 months. I know I done a lot of things I should not have done. I was hooked on heroin and hooked on cocaine. I wouldn’t wish it on no-one.”

Ward said he had done every addiction court available to him, and certificates were handed in to court confirming his participation. 

“I apologise deeply for what I have done,” he said. “I wouldn’t have done it if I was where I am now.”

He shared that his brother-in-law had passed away, as had his brother,. 

“I couldn’t attend my brother’s funeral due to drug addiction,” he said. “These are things I can’t bring back. I will never see my little brother again.

“I was at a stage where I would love to get off the drugs but I couldn’t get off them.

“I don't rely on nothing anymore. I feel a lot better.”

Solicitor Gerry McGovern who previously represented the defendant also addressed the court. 

“He is a beacon of hope not just for himself but for other family members,” said Mr McGovern. “Nobody is beyond reform, beyond change.”

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham acknowledged the steps taken by the defendant, but cautioned: “It will be a lifelong battle for you. You must get a bed in a treatment centre.”

Ward said he was looking forward to getting into a treatment centre, the next step in his recovery journey. 

“My life is better with the help that I can get,” he said. 

Judge Cunningham said that some time had already been served in relation to a number of the offences due to bail having been revoked. 

In relation to the offence of trespassing at Sligo University Hospital, Ward was sentenced to three months in prison. 

For entering the parked vehicle at Riverstown, he was sentenced to a further three months. 

“That is to run consecutively to the other sentence because it was committed while he was on bail,” said the judge. 

For theft of €120 from a locked car, Ward was sentenced to 12 months in prison to run consecutively, with credit for time served. 

The remaining matters were taken into consideration. 

“Mr Ward must be given credit for how he has addressed the matters,” said Judge Cunningham. “I have taken account of the progress he has made.”

Legal aid was granted to Mr O’Brien.