Dundalk man fined for possession of penknife

A 35 year old man who claimed a penknife recovered when he was stopped and searched by gardaí, was to cut open delivery boxes, was fined at Dundalk district court last Wednesday.

Michael Mallon with an address at Glenmore Park, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk was charged with having a knife with a blade that was sharp, at Glenmore Park on December seventh last.

The court heard that the penknife -with its blade open, was found in his jacket after he was seen fidgeting with a front pocket.

The defendant had 35 previous convictions, including possessing offensive weapons, but his solicitor stressed that the most recent was almost 10 years ago.

She added that he's been dealing with a drug addiction, is on a low dose of methadone and hopes to get a bed in St. Michael's Ward in Beaumont.

The solicitor also said she had instructions that Mr. Mallon had forgotten he had the penknife in his pocket, and he was someone who had a troubled youth, due to his addiction.

After hearing he is in receipt of a disability allowance, Judge Stephanie Coggans imposed a €105 fine.