Sligo man caused disturbance at home of former girlfriend

A SLIGO man who pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour in Co. Donegal has been fined €400 at Ballyshannon District Court. Paul McCallion, 23, of Seaview Park, First Sea Road, pleaded guilty to the offence that happened at Doran Close, East End, Bundoran, on December 31 last year. Another charge, of having a knife which was sharply pointed, was struck out. The court was told that gardaí got a report that the driver of a black BMW had been involved in a disturbance in Doran Close.

When a garda met the defendant, the latter was agitated. A second vehicle arrived on the scene and claimed that the defendant had caused damage to his car with a Stanley knife. The garda cautioned and arrested the defendant on suspicion of criminal damage.

The court heard the defendant’s ex-girlfriend was an eyewitness to the allegation, but no charges were being brought. The court heard the defendant had previous convictions for possession of articles and possession of knives.

His defence solicitor Gerry McGovern said that his client had not been charged with criminal damage.

The defendant had been in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend. That relationship had broken down and it was a lovers’ quarrel.

He had gone to his ex-girlfriend’s house and he spoke to her mother and there were words exchanged as he was about to leave.

But there was no animosity, and the defendant was in a good place with her and her new boyfriend. He deeply regretted the incident.

He was a carpenter but was not currently working.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said it was very worrying that the defendant had two previous relevant convictions and he was at it again in December of last year.

Mr McGovern said that the knife was a carpentry tool.

When asked to explain his actions, the defendant said that it was “silliness”. Mr McGovern said the defendant had fully co-operated with the gardaí.

Judge Kilrane said if this happened again the defendant would be in danger.

He fined the defendant €400 on the charge of using threatening and abusive behaviour.