"HE seems to have a problem with alcohol, God bless him," Judge James McNulty said at Macroom District Court when he heard that the 53-yearold before him has 49 previous convictions, many for public intoxication.

William O'Brien, of 56 An Caislean More, Castleisland, Co Kerry, was charged with being intoxicated in a public place, contrary to Section 4 of the Public Order Act, at Lidl in Macroom on November 1st 2009.

Garda Moore told the court that he was called to Lidl at 4.10pm on the date in question. "On arriving at the scene I observed William O'Brien, who I know. He was arguing with staff members and he appeared to be very intoxicated and very argumentative. On his way out I observed him staggering and I arrested him for his own safety and conveyed him to Macroom Garda Station." Judge McNulty imposed a fine of €130.