Tipperary man on public order charges is 'featuring too many times in court'

Nenagh Court was told that aTipperary motorist who turned back at a Garda checkpoint had no insurance

placeholder image — Nenagh Court was told that aTipperary motorist who turned back at a Garda checkpoint had no insurance

A man who is “featuring too often” at Nenagh District Court has been given the opportunity by Judge Elizabeth MacGrath to turn his life around.

Ivan Scullion of 64B Assumption Park, Roscrea, has pleaded to threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Cooperbeech View, Roscrea, on December 1, 2022. He has also pleaded to being intoxicated in public on the same occasion.

Sgt Regina McCarthy told the court that Mr Scullion had been arrested on seven occasions under the Public Order Act and the gardaí and his solicitor were trying to get him help.

However, she said that Mr Scullion had to “buy into it” or it would be “pointless”.

“He is featuring in your court too many times,” said Sgt McCarthy.

Mr Scullion’s solicitor, Tom Stamp, told Judge MacGrath that his client had five previous convictions for being intoxicated in public and there were another seven similar charges coming up before the court.

“Are you satisfied he has the comprehension to understand?” the judge asked Mr Stamp, to which the solicitor replied that his client had that comprehension.

Mr Stamp outlined that a court bond previously signed by Mr Scullion had proven difficult for his client.

“He says he misses his father. He will call into Roscrea Garda Station in the middle of the night anxious and upset,” said Mr Stamp.

The solicitor outlined to the court that Mr Scullion had attended his GP seeking medication to stop him from drinking alcohol.

“He does realise that what he is doing is wrong and is putting his life at risk,” said Mr Stamp. “He does have an understanding of the danger to himself.”

He said that Mr Scullion would leave the courthouse with “every good intention, but when he gets back to Roscrea he lapses”.

Sgt McCarthy said that it was hoped to get Mr Scullion engaged with a recovery group in Nenagh that would look at all his issues.

Judge MacGrath warned that it was up to Mr Scullion himself to deal with matters.

While intoxication in public did not carry a custodial sentence the charge of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour did, she said.

Judge MacGrath said that she would adjourn the matter and advised Mr Scullion to engage with services “or you will tie my hands and I will have to impose a custodial sentence. I will give you the opportunity to get on the road and not put you in prison.”

Judge MacGrath adjourned the case to July 15.