Peter Rogers
A chronic alcoholic has been barred from drinking in every pub in north county Dublin after being caught lying in the middle of the road drunk.
A court heard how Rogers's 'modus operandi' is to lie on the road drunk for cars to stop and bring him home from pubs.
Speaking to the Herald following his conviction Rogers said there was "not a bother" on him.
"I don't need help. See, I didn't eat for a while but I'm eating now," he explained.
"These things happen…I'm strong now. I'm back to normal.
"I got my energy back," Rogers said.
Rogers lay across the road on the main Balbriggan to Naul road on August 13 at 3.45pm, causing a number of motorists to stop. Balbriggan District Court heard how motorists rang gardai in Balbriggan expressing concern.
Sergeant Tony Tighe told the court that Rogers was arrested for his own safety.
He said Rogers has been before the court on four previous occasions for committing similar offences.
"His modus operandi is that he lies on the road when he is drunk and when motorists stop he asks for a lift home," Sgt Tighe told the court.
Rogers, of Mallahow, Naul, Co Dublin pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place on the day.
When Judge Alan Mitchell said he was concerned and it is not appropriate for the defendant to be lying across the middle of the road, Rogers replied in court: "I won't do it anymore."
Judge Mitchell convicted and fined him €200 and enforced an exclusion order banning Rogers from entering all public houses in the Naul, Garristown, Ballyboughil and Oldtown areas of north county Dublin and Ashbourne in Co Meath.
"If you are found in any of these pubs it will be a criminal offence," Judge Mitchell warned Rogers in court.
"The biggest issue is lying in the middle of the road and I would hate to think that a motorist might not see you lying there," the judge told the court.
Speaking to the Herald at his home, Rogers said he has changed his ways.
Martin Grant and Nicola Donnelly