Caragh man fined for verbally abusing Kildare gardaí and resisting arrest

A Caragh resident was fined for verbally abusing gardaí in Newbridge and for resisting arrest.

The offences were detailed to Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Thursday, June 27 last.

Gardaí explained that on May 31 last, that Tom Connolly, of Thomastown in Caragh, had been engaged in a public disorder incident while intoxicated on Eyre Street.

When the 48-year-old was approached by gardaí, he became verbally aggressive, and when the gardaí tried to arrest him, he resisted arrest.

Mr Connolly has seven previous convictions, four of which are for public disorder offences.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told the judge that his client had been waiting on a taxi to collect him.

"He is deeply aggrieved with his behaviour on the date in question," he said: "Gardaí were of the belief that he was intoxicated, and they were right, but he just wanted to go home; he took issue with them stopping him."

Mr Kennelly added: "Still, he accepts that his behaviour was not appropriate, and he wants to apologise to gardaí for his behaviour."

In respojnse, Judge Zaidan noted Mr Connolly's previous convictions for public disorder.

Mr Kennelly suggested that the judge deliver his verdict in the form of a fine.

Judge Zaidan agreed with this suggestion and imposed a €500 fine on Mr Connolly.

He gave Mr Connolly three months to pay this fine.