Admitted havingdrugs

The defendant had not been before the court since 2016, and had come with €500 after saving since February (as a donation to have the matter struck out).

However, Judge McKiernan said she would ‘absolutely not’ accept a contribution and was instead considering a custodial sentence.

Ms Kelly said it was a minor public order incident.

‘I don’t consider it minor. The circumstances of the case are very serious,’ the judge replied.

‘The guards were out to do a job, and this man threatened them.’

Ms Kelly argued there was no basis for a custodial sentence which would serve no purpose. It was a summons matter.

She submitted there were other options available to the court.

A €300 fine was imposed. Maguire got legal aid.

Arron McArdle, Newtown, Knockbridge, has had struck out an unlawful possession of cannabis charge.

He admitted the offence which occurred at Brook Street, Ardee Road, Dundalk, on 26 September, 2019.

There are no previous convictions. After €200 was paid to Turas counselling service the charge was struck out.

Lekessha Toner (20), 33 Castleross, Castletown Road, and Leigha Mills (20), 64 Clann Chullain Park, Farndreg Estate, are each charged with assault causing harm in Park Street on 26 October, 2019.

Lekessha Toner is also facing a public order charge of engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour or words, arising out of the same alleged incident.

Sgt Fintan McGroder said a local direction had been given that the case could be disposed of summarily.

However, after looking at a medical report and photographs, and hearing from the alleged victim, Judge McKiernan said she was refusing jurisdiction in both matters.

The defendants were remanded on continuing bail to 2 September for DPP directions.