Longford man on public order charge ordered to make charity donation to avoid conviction

Rudolf Balog (34) of New Sam, Dublin Street, Longford was charged with public intoxication at Dublin Road, Deanscurragh, Longford.

Solicitor John Quinn indicated his client's guilty plea to the charge before the court. Sergeant Enda Daly described the events of June 26, 2023.

Gardaí received a call from two motorists at around 11pm about the behaviour of a man on the Dublin Road, Longford. The caller said the man was staggering and had encroached onto the road.

When the officers got to the railway bridge they found a man slumped on the pavement with his legs out on the road. The Gardaí roused the man, but he was unable to speak. He could not be moved and there was a strong smell of alcohol.

When the man, Mr Balog, was woken he started to shout and roar. The defendant was arrested for his own safety. He had no previous convictions.

Mr Quinn said his client “apologised profusely” for his behaviour on the night. He explained that at the time Mr Balog had recently got part time work and went out to celebrate, but because he was unused to drinking he got more intoxicated than he should.

The solicitor said his client was grateful to Gardaí for their assistance in the circumstances. Judge Bernadette Owens said if the defendant made a charity donation of €150 to St Christopher's Services she would strike the matter out. Mr Quinn said Mr Balog had the money in court, so the matter was concluded.