Accused 'has alcohol-related dementia'

YEARS of alcoholism since he took up drinking as a boy has taken its toll on Lyndon Collins, with the Tabulam man suffering alcohol-related dementia, the Lismore Local Court was told.

Collins, who looks much older than his 45 years, appeared in custody charged with intimidation causing fear to his cousin when armed with a kitchen knife at her Casino home on March 11.

Collins pleaded guilty to the charge, along with using offensive language in a public place, and recklessly damaging a metal security door.

Defence lawyer Dannielle Stubbs said it was unfortunate nothing more could be done for Collins. A Justice Health report says her client suffers alcohol-related dementia.

“He has been drinking alcohol since he was 14 and caused some cognitive impairment,” she said.

“He can't recall the incident and that leaves him in a difficult sit- uation that is due to his cognitive deficit skills.”

Ms Stubbs said Collins was drinking with his female cousin and, due to his intoxication, the situation spiralled out of control.

He had similar matters scattered throughout his police record.

“He has been alcohol-free three-and-a-half months and he would benefit from a period on supervised parole,” Ms Stubbs said.

A police statement of facts said officers found Collins with a knife that had a 20cm serrated blade after his cousin phoned police for help.

The statement said the incident took place when the woman commented on the sexual habits of Collins' former girlfriend.

On the offence of intimidation toward Collins' cousin, Magistrate Michael Dakin sentenced him to 12 months' jail, with a non-parole period of seven months, with time already served making him eligible for release in October.

The custodial sentence includes four months imposed for damaging the woman's security door.

Collins was fined $200 for his using offensive language at Stapleton Avenue.