Longford man abused gardaí: ' You do nothing but cause trouble around here'
A young man who was verbally abusive to Gardaí when stopped in the early hours of the morning was fined €200 at Longford District Court.
Luke Purcell (19) of 78 McKeown Park, Longford faced a charge that on January 10, 2024 at 12:40am at Farnagh Longford he engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour.
Sergeant Enda Daly explained that on the date of the offence, officers on patrol in the Farnagh area stopped a young man on a bicycle. After speaking to the rider, Mr Purcell, they conducted a search.
After the search Mr Purcell got back on his bike, but as he rode away he shouted back at the officers: “F**k you, you f**king pigs, you do nothing but cause trouble around here.”
The young man was arrested for a breach of the pubic order.
The court was told the defendant had one previous conviction for driving a defective vehicle.
Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client wished to apologise for his behaviour. “There is no excuse for his behaviour and language,” Ms Mimnagh said.
The solicitor said Mr Purcell is going through a difficult period. He is one of seven children and his mother is receiving palliative care.
“Luke has been finding it difficult, he has moved away from Longford,” Ms Mimnagh explained.
Judge Patricia Cronin said the manner in which the defendant addressed the officers was “a cause of some concern”.
“It is unacceptable that he spoke to the Gardaí in this manner. I appreciate he is going through difficulties, but it is unacceptable to treat members of An Garda Síochána like this,” Judge Cronin said.
Taking the facts into consideration the judge imposed a fine of €200 and gave Mr Purcell three months to pay. Legal aid was assigned.