Causinga nuisance

When gardaí intervened, Conlon became verbally abusive, and told the officers to ‘f*** away with you.’

He failed to leave when asked.

The defendant has no previous convictions. His solicitor Conor McGuill said he had too much to drink, which was a recurring feature in his private life.

However, he has dealt with it, and has completed a course. He is hopeful this part of his life has been put to one side.

Niall Martin (32), 23 Church View, Dromiskin, has been fined €250 after he pleaded guilty to a public order offence.

Sergeant Fintan McGroder gave evidence that on 8 December last, in Gort Na Glaise, people complained of a drunk man causing a nuisance.

He was banging on doors, and a number of bins were overturned. He became aggressive and abusive towards gardaí.

Martin has 10 previous convictions. Solicitor Frank McDonnell said his client struggled for a long time with alcohol as a younger man, and it returned to haunt him.

He has one child, aged 13, and is on disability benefit but is allowed to work as a lorry driver’s helper.

He has sought help, and regrets what occurred on this occasion.

Martin has no memory of what he said to gardaí, and wishes to apologise.

Judge Mitchell remarked the defendant gets social welfare from the State, and that tax-payers don’t want their money spent in this way. had one of the charges dismissed under the probation act, but was fined €100 on each of the other two.

All the property was recovered, and Judge Mitchell refused a defence application to have the entire matter dismissed.

‘She decided to go on a trail of taking. Here is an actual plan of action, going from one shop, to the second, to the third,’ he said.

McDonagh had failed to appear previously, and she was brought to court on foot of a bench warrant.

Evidence was given that on 13 September, 2016, she took €42-worth of toiletries and cosmetics from Penney’s; clothes valued €85.95 from New Look; and clothing and soft drinks worth €160.59 from Dunnes Stores.

All goods were recovered in a saleable condition.

McDonagh has no previous convictions, and her solicitor Peter Lavery said she is eight months pregnant, and has three children. She has €150 in court.

Judge Mitchell made an order as outlined, and noted it turned out an expensive shopping trip.

‘I can’t condone a person doing three (shops) on the one day. She had an intent on the day.’

The defendant was granted legal aid.