Army man was in ‘fisticuffs’

A 28-year-old army man observed in a ‘physical altercation’ with another man outside a nightclub was arrested after he verbally abused a Garda who intervened. Before the court was Kevin Noone of Carronreagh, French Park, County Roscommon who was charged with public order offences at JFK Parade on July 22nd 2018. Inspector Donal Sweeney said the defendant became agitated and very abusive to Sgt. Cathal Duffy and had to be arrested. Noone had a UK licence and told the Sergeant he was staying in the Glasshouse Hotel but this was checked and there was no record of his staying there. The defendant told his solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry that he had been assaulted badly. He apologised for his behaviour. He was a member of the armed forces. A ranger holding the rank of private, she told Judge Kilrane. He didn’t have any previous convictions. The Judge said in excess of half of his cases in his list arose from alcohol. He said the incident involving the defendant was an amazing response of ill temper. “To be involved at his age and in his position in fisticuffs at 3.30 in the morning is just amazing.” The Judge accepted that the defendant didn’t mean what he had said and was prepared to give him a chance. Mr MacSharry said the defendant had €500 in court and this was ordered to be donated to a charity of the Inspector’s choice. “You made a big mistake but you’re getting a chance and have the good sense to take it,” the Judge told the defendant. The case was struck out.