Tried to hide in Garavogue River in bid to avoid gardaí

A 24-year-old man tried to evade gardaí who were pursuing him by going into the Garavogue River, before eventually being arrested, Sligo District Court heard.

Leon Sweeney, with addresses at Alma Terrace Halting Site and Garavogue Villas was charged with public order on August 6 th 2018 on John St along with misuse of drugs, intoxication and fleeing from gardaí at Kempten Promenade on September 27 th 2018. On August 6 th 2018, Inspector Donal Sweeney told the court gardaí were on mobile patrol at 3:15am and saw 2 men fighting outside the Four Lanterns take-away on John St.

The defendant was seen to strike the other man with a closed fist. He ran off towards Grattan St and then Water Lane and then he was seen in the shallow waters of the Garavogue River where he was trying to evade garda.

He then exited through Stephen St where he was subsequently arrested. On September 27 th at 1:40am gardaí saw the defendant near the Sintilllate nightclub on Kempten Parade. He quickly walked away and gardaí then found a white powdery substance on the ground. Sweeney had a strong smell of drink and appeared to be biting his inside gum.

He fled on foot and tried to gain entry to the Garavogue Bar but was stopped by security and then arrested by gardaí.

Ms Laura Spellman solicitor (defending) said her client was 24 years old and father or 3 young children.

He was anxious to get treatment for his alcohol and drugs issues and put them behind him, she said. Judge Kevin Kilrane fined him €300 and convicted him on all charges