Man convicted of public order offences on Main Street in town in Offaly

A man was convicted of committing two public order offences in Banagher, during the June 5 sitting of Tullamore District Court.

David White,  Cogran, Lusmagh, Banagher pleaded guilty to committing  Section 4 and Section 6 public order offences on Main Street, Banagher on March 6, 2024.

He was also charged with failing to provide a name and address to Garda Conor Muldoon on the date in question but this charge was withdrawn during the court sitting.

Sergeant Justine Reilly told the court that Garda Muldoon got a report of an intoxicated male on Main Street and he and a fellow Guard went to investigate.

“He had to be arrested for his own safety,” remarked the Sergeant. “At first he was cooperative but then became aggressive towards the Guards as he was being taken to the Garda Station in Birr.”

Sergeant Reilly said Mr White had 12 previous convictions, including a number of public order convictions.

The defending solicitor, Patrick Martin said his client is 24 years of age and he previously was working as an apprentice mechanic.

“You were out of your head on drink,” Judge Deirdre Gearty told the defendant. “The Guards were only doing their job. My advice to you is to stop the drinking, because it clearly doesn't work for you, and get back to your job as an apprentice mechanic. There's lots of work out there for mechanics. You have your whole life in front of you. Don't waste it.”

She convicted and fined for Section 6 (threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour). The fine was €250. She took into consideration the Section 4 (intoxication in a public place).