Sligo man (37) found with knife in his jacket pocket has case adjourned

A 37-year-old man was charged with possessing a knife in Sligo on April 4, 2025. Gardaí on mobile patrol observed him acting suspiciously at John Fallon Drive, Cranmore, Sligo at 7:08pm, searched him, and found a knife in his right jacket pocket. He was arrested and taken to Sligo Garda Station, and a photo of the knife was shown to the judge. The court heard he had 51 previous convictions. His solicitor said the past year was difficult due to the death of his father, and that he had attended an addiction clinic for two years, claiming he carried the knife for his own protection. The judge said the matter was serious and that previous convictions were aggravating, adjourning the case to July 16 for a probation and welfare report regarding community service.

"Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that at 7:08pm, gardaí were on mobile patrol when they observed Goodwin acting suspiciously. The defendant was searched and a knife was found in his right jacket pocket. Goodwin was arrested and conveyed to Sligo Garda Station. A photo of the knife was handed to Judge Éiteáin Cunningham."

"The court heard that Goodwin had 51 previous convictions. Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor (defending), told Judge Cunningham that the last year was difficult for her client as he lost his father. She added that Goodwin had started attending an addiction clinic in the last two years. She continued that her client told gardaí that he had the knife for his own protection."

"Judge Cunningham said that it was a very serious matter. She added that Goodwin's previous convictions were an aggravating factor. Judge Cunningham adjourned the case to July 16 for a probation and welfare report to consider Goodwin's suitability for community service."

"Also before the court was Lee Young (36) of Garavogue Villas, Sligo who was charged with stealing goods valued at €26.69 from Tesco, O'Connell St, Sligo on June 5, 2022. He was also charged with stealing goods valued at €37.99 from TK Maxx, Quayside Shopping Centre, Sligo on November 30 and stealing property worth €27.99 from the same shop on December 3, 2023. Sgt Butler informed Judge Cunningham that no goods were recovered from any of the three thefts."

Read at Irish Independent