Suspended sentence for abusive behaviour

A suspended sentence was handed down to a man who was threatening people outside a pub in Laois. 

Brendan McInerney, 40, of 32 Highfield Meadows, Portlaoise was arrested for being intoxicated and abusive at Patrick’s Street in Mountmellick on January 21 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardai responded to reports of a large fight involving a number of people at a pub in Mountmellick on the night in question.

When they arrived they observed a number of people on the street including the accused who was threatening members of the public, he said. The man has 12 previous convictions, Sgt Kirby said. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said the accused was pleading guilty and had attended a family member’s first anniversary mass on the day. 

“He hadn’t taken a drink himself for ten months up to that date,” said Mr Meagher. He explained that the man was on medication as well. 

 His son became involved in an altercation and he was attempting to remove him from the situation, said Mr Meagher.

“He admits that he was drunk,” said Mr Meagher. He said the man “reacted poorly” when gardai arrived. 

The man, who attends the local mens shed, had penned a note for the judge and another for gardai, he said. The man also brought €300 in cash to court, he said.

“It is hardly an appropriate way to honour the memory of a deceased family member,” said Judge Andrew Cody. 

He ordered that the €300 be donated to the Cara Curley foundation and said the defendant needs to learn to walk away. 

He imposed a two month sentence for threatening and abusive behaviour which he suspended for two years. The public intoxication charge was taken into consideration.