Kildare man given three-month sentence for abusive behaviour on a Roscrea bus
Michael Walsh (37) came before a sitting of Nenagh District Court
A Naas man has been given a three-month prison sentence for abusive behaviour on a bus in Roscrea at Nenagh District Court.
Michael Walsh (37) of 29 Church Court, Naas, Kildare, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour and intoxication in a public place on Abbey Street, Roscrea, on March 17, 2023.
The defendant was also charged with failure to appear, which was taken into consideration on sentencing.
Garda Keith Gantly told the court that on the day of the incident, he responded to a report of a male intoxicated on a bus in Roscrea.
He boarded the bus and found the defendant to be threatening and abusive “from the outset.”
The defendant “resisted” attempts to get him to stop, and the gardaí arrested him and took him to Roscrea Garda Station.
The court was told the defendant has 63 previous convictions, 17 under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
The solicitor acting for the accused said his client had four children, one of which he was visiting on the day of the incident.
Following the visit, he went to the pub and had too much to drink.
He said his client wished to extend his apologies to the driver and the gardaí.
The solicitor also told the court his client was engaged with services to address his issues with alcohol.
NASTY OFFENCE
Judge Mary Cashin described the incident as a “nasty offence” and said it must have been “frightening” for the other passengers.
“I do take this case seriously, and the effect it had on the victims not in court,” said Judge Cashin. For the charge of threatening and abusive behaviour, Judge Cashin imposed a three-month prison sentence.
For the charge of intoxicated in a public place, the judge fined the defendant €500 and gave him three months to pay.
The solicitor asked if the judge would consider giving the defendant more time to pay the fine.
Judge Cashin declined and replied:
“This man has been before the court more times to know. He takes it on his own head.”