Offaly man with 'plenty of money for drink' refused legal aid

JUDGE Andrew Cody refused to grant legal aid to a man who was “shouting obscenities” in the early hours of the morning.

Tullamore District Court was told that Gerald Hubert Maughan, The Heritage, Main Street, Birr continued his behaviour in his own neighbourhood despite gardai asking him to desist.

Mr Maughan pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in a public place at 2.40am on November 10 last year where he shouted obscenities in the direction of a neighbour's property.

Judge Andrew Cody heard Mr Maughan had a number of previous convictions for road traffic offences including one for holding a mobile phone while driving which resulted in a disqualification.

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Aisling Maloney, defending solicitor, said her client had no previous convictions of the nature now before the court and explained that there had been a dispute with a neighbour.

Mr Maughan, who had some drink taken, was deeply ashamed, admitted he was wrong and the matter was resolved.

After Judge Cody imposed a fine of €300 Ms Maloney applied for legal aid for her client saying that he was not working and had a family.

Judge Cody refused the application saying the offence was not a serious one and stated: “He has plenty of money for drink at half-two in the morning.”