Longford District Court: Man escapes criminal penalty for public order

A man charged with being found drunk in public walked out of Longford courthouse last week without any criminal sanction after handing in €100 to the court poor box.

Patric Bednarcik (42) Laragan, Elphin, Co Roscommon pleaded guilty at last week's sitting of Longford District Court to a Section 4 public order charge at St Joseph's Road, Longford on April 26, 2023.

Sgt Mark Mahon, for the State, said gardaí were alerted to a “highly intoxicated” man shortly after midnight.

He said when officers came across the accused they arrested him for his own safety.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Bednarcik was cooperative, adding there were no aggravating factors behind his arrest.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked why the accused failed to pay a fixed charge notice, a question Sgt Mahon said Mr Bednarcik perhaps should have had the benefit of prior to any charge being issued against him.

Judge Owens said on that basis the court would exercise a modicum of leniency if Mr Bednarcik handed in €100 to the court poor box.

Given the accused had no previous convictions and pleaded at the first opportunity, Judge Owens struck the matter out after the €100 was handed in.