Judge warns Longford man to stay out of court or face consequences

A man who used a four-pronged grape in a threatening manner on a public roadway while he had a substantial suspended sentence hanging over him, has been given one final chance to avoid a prison term.

Kieran McNally (34), of Greagh, Drumlish, Co Longford, pleaded guilty at the local district court to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and possession of a four-pronged grape on May 16, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were alerted to an incident at 3.40pm and Garda Padriag McWeeney observed the defendant being restrained by relatives.

The accused was described as being highly intoxicated and highly agitated on a public roadway near the entrance lane to the family farm.

Sgt Daly said Mr McNally had a three-pronged grape in his hand which he used in a threatening manner while walking towards another man's home.

The defendant was described as acting in an abusive manner towards those present, he broke the gardening tool after striking it off the ground and relatives restrained him until Gardaí arrived at the scene.

Mr McNally also appeared on a separate public order charge that he was intoxicated to such an extent he was deemed a danger to himself or others at 1.30am on March 12 at Mill Race Park, Drumlish.

Sgt Daly said when Gardaí arrived the defendant had to be restrained and arrested.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client received a three year prison sentence, which was suspended for five years on separate matters in Longford Circuit Court in July.

The legal representative stated McNally has engaged with CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug Service) on a weekly basis and he is no longer drinking alcohol.

"It was a tumultuous part of his life where addiction was the major contributing factor," Mr Quinn said. "It is something he has shown great remorse for."

The defendant had two previous convictions.

Judge Bernadette Owens said Mr McNally, who was supported in court by his partner, looked much better but there is a 'substantial suspended sentence hanging over him'.

She adjourned the case until March 18 for review and stated if the defendant does not come before her in the interim she may be persuaded not to invoke the suspended sentence.