An Armagh man has been told to show a “commitment” to stopping his consumption of alcohol and illicit substances in order to avoid prison.
The 28-year-old’s barrister told court that his client understood that he was “in danger of serving a life sentence by instalments”.
Jody Curry, of Barrack Hill, appeared for sentencing on disorderly behaviour and resisting police at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Upon reviewing the presentence report, District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “This is a very difficult sentencing exercise given the context of the presentence report.
“The large majority of his offending is down to alcohol consumption, although there are also convictions for illicit substances.”
Defence barrister David McKeown commented that his client was aware that he was “in danger of serving a life sentence by instalments”.
District Judge Kelly remarked that this was not a danger but a “cert”.
She stated: “He is at a crossroads, where he needs to get help to address the underlying cause of his offending…or not address them and go to prison.”
Mr McKeown said that Curry did have a desire to take such opportunities and had been engaging with a support worker.
District Judge Kelly adjourned the case until June 8 for the defendant to produce a programme of works in conjunction with his GP or support worker.
She commented: “He must display a serious commitment to stop both drugs and alcohol.”
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