Builder who ‘squared up' to Longford Gardai hit with €400 fine

Andrius Venclauskas (33) of Apartment 6, Sally Gardens, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan was before the court arising from an incident on October 24, 2021.

Venclauskas was charged with failing to comply with the direction of a Garda, criminal damage to the windscreen of a car, public intoxication and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.

Sergeant Enda Daly outlined the details of the incident that occurred at 10:30pm at Rath Beagh, Abbeylara. The local Gardaí received a call from Crawford's Bar, Abbeylara about a disturbance. When the officers arrived they found Venclauskas having an argument with his wife.

The defendant was “very intoxicated” and “squared up to Gardai”. When the officers asked Venclauskas to leave the area he said: “What the f**k are you going to do?”

The defendant continued to be abusive to Gardaí and was arrested. Solicitor Fiona Baxter explained that at the time Venclauskas and his wife were “going through a difficult period”. Ms Baxter said the couple had been in the bar and when her client went to drive his wife tried to stop him and an argument erupted.

During this argument the Gardaí were called. Ms Baxter said there have been no difficulties since, adding: “His wife has told him that if there are any further repeats of this she will leave the marriage.”

The solicitor said Venclauskas had asked her to extend his apology to Gardaí and the court for his behaviour on the night. Ms Baxter said it was out of character. The court was told the Lithuanian national, a father of two children, has lived in Ireland for the last 15 years. Working in construction Venclauskas has moved to Ballyjamesduff in Cavan since the incident.

Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Bernadette Owens imposed a fine of €400, giving the defendant three months to pay.