Longford District Court: Defendant described as ‘indifferent to most things’

A man who has failed to engage with the Probation Service will have matters concluded when he comes before Longford District Court's next sitting.

Shane Nevin (34) of 67 McKeon Park, Longford faces a total of 15 charges stemming from incidents on eight different dates.

“Shane will promise the sun the moon and the stars, but he won't show up for court,” Sgt Enda Daly told the presiding judge, adding, “He is not involved in serious crime on any level, but he has a very laissez-faire attitude to turning up to court.”

Sgt Daly said Mr Nevin had accrued up to 20 bench warrants in the last number of years.

The defendant's solicitor, John Quinn, explained that the root of his client's failure to show was not disrespect: “He is indifferent to most things.”

Judge Shalom Binchy asked if alcohol was an issue in the matter, Mr Quinn said it was more to do with “a lack of comprehension”.

The charges against Mr Nevin include failing to keep a court appointment on June 21, 2022, the theft of a wallet on March 4, 2022, public intoxication and failing to comply with the directions of a Garda on August 2, 2021.

Charges from August 12, 2019 at Market Square, Longford are failing to comply with the direction of a Garda, public intoxication and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.

On January 9, 2021 the defendant was accused of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Main Street, Longford. A charge from March 31, 2021 is that Mr Nevin is accused of damaging the ice cream cone display at The Kiosk, Dublin Street, Longford.

The defendant is also charged with failing to keep a court appointment on February 8, 2022, threatening and abusive behaviour and assault at Boyle Sports, Market Square, Longford on March 2, 2022, failing to comply with Garda directions and public intoxication on Dublin Street, Longford on May 4, 2022. The final charge faced by Mr Nevin is that on January 16, 2020 the theft of €811 in cash.

Sgt Daly asked to remand the defendant in custody until the matter is dealt with. Judge Binchy said she would remand Mr Nevin on bail, but stressed to him the repercussions of failing to show up on time for his next court appointment. The defendant will return before court on October 17.