Students out over Christmas

Two students who had too much to drink when out over Christmas have had public order charges struck out after making charitable donations.

Aaron McCambridge (20), 18 St Bridget’s Park, Culloville, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to comply with the direction of a garda; while Mathew McCreesh (20), 43 Concession Road, Culloville, admitted being intoxicated in a public place.

The charges arose out of an incident which occurred in Park Street, Dundalk, on 23 December last.

Sgt Fintan McGroder gave evidence that at 3.50am gardaí were dealing with another matter when McCambridge interfered and began shouting.

On two occasions he was given an opportunity to leave but he refused and tried to push his way through towards his friend.

Five minutes earlier, Judge John Cheatle heard, a member of staff from Aliz restaurant in Park Street flagged down the guards, after McCreesh kicked a wall in the premises.

He was highly intoxicated and unsteady on his feet.

Neither defendant has previous convictions.

Solicitor Conor MacGuill added his clients are students at the University of Ulster. There had been out over Christmas and had too much to drink.

Both were in court with their families.

The charges were struck out after McCambridge paid €150 to the Garda Benevolent Fund and McCreesh €100 to St Vincent de Paul.