Longford District Court: Defendant's ‘behaviour was not exactly 100%’

A defendant who consumed a large amount of vodka was fined €350 having pleaded guilty to two public order offences.

Teague McGinley (43) of Cloonamahon Halting Site, Clooney, Sligo faced two public order charges. The defendant pleaded guilty to public intoxication and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour.

Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court that on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 1:30am officers were called to a disturbance at Dun Darrach, Dublin Road, Longford.

Two males were engaged in an altercation. When the officers spoke to the men, Mr McGinley became aggressive to the Gardaí.

The defendant was arrested and brought to Longford Garda station.

Solicitor John Quinn said his client accepted that his “behaviour was not exactly 100%” on the night. Mr Quinn told judge Bernadette Owens that the defendant's attitude “mellowed” by the time he was released.

Sgt Mahon outlined how Mr McGinley has 20 previous convictions, six for public order, but the last of those was from 2015.

Mr Quinn said his client apologised to Gardaí when he sobered up, adding that Mr McGinley had consumed a large amount of vodka that night.

“Upon his release everything was quite cordial. He was very sorry about what happened,” Mr Quinn said.

Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Owens imposed a fine of €350, giving the defendant six month to pay for the abusive behaviour charge and took the other public order.