Breach of peace while celebrating Moldovan Christmas in Offaly

A MAN was celebrating Moldovan Christmas when he was abusive to gardai and in possession of drugs, Tullamore District Court was told.

Mihail Ursachi (42), Francis Street, Edenderry pleaded guilty at Tullamore District Court to a breach of the peace and drugs possession at Inner Relief Road, Edenderry on January 11 last.

Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court Mr Ursachi was seen acting suspiciously while getting into the passenger seat of a vehicle and was drinking from a can of beer.

The drugs were found during a search and the accused, who had no previous convictions, was abusive towards the gardai and cursing them.

Defending solicitor Brian Duffy said Mr Ursachi was a Moldovan man who worked as a labourer to send money home to his wife and child.

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He was celebrating Moldovan Christmas, which is a different date from ours, at the time of the offence and had lost control of himself because of drink.

Mr Duffy added that his client said he found the drugs on the ground.

Judge Susan Fay said she would apply the Probation Act if €300 was donated to the court poor box and if Mr Ursachi completed the Alternative Project.

In default of those conditions Judge Fay said the man must pay fines of €200 for each of the two offences.

She remanded him on continuing bail to June 17 next. Legal aid was granted to the accused after Mr Duffy said that in addition to sending money home, Mr Ursachi had to pay rent.