Longford man ordered to stay away from family

A man has been ordered to stay away from members of his family in Drumlish after he was found “shouting and roaring” abuse while in possession of a four-pronged grape.

Ciaran McNally (34), of Greagh, Drumlish, Co Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at a recent sitting of Longford District Court.

Garda Padraig McWeeney gave evidence of how, shortly after 4pm on Thursday, May 16, he arrested Mr McNally, and conveyed him to Granard Garda Station, where he was charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and possession of a four-pronged grape.

The court heard that the offences were committed while Mr McNally was on bail for other charges before the court, and that he had failed to sign on twice the previous week, as per his bail conditions.

However, he added, Garda concerns were based mainly on his abuse of alcohol.

“Any of his breaches would always be alcohol related, he has managed bail in all other matters and, bar those breaches, he has always adhered to bail conditions,” Gda McWeeney told the court.

“Our biggest risk is his dependence on alcohol.”

Solicitor for the defence, John Quinn, explained that his client has been attending the HSE's Community Alcohol and Drugs Service and Gda McWeeney agreed that Mr McNally had told him he simply “fell off the wagon”.

“If bail was granted, there would need to be strict conditions in relation to family members,” said Gda McWeeney.

“They live in a rural area but they're in four houses along the same road.”

Mr McNally, addressing the court, explained that he was on a waiting list for residential addiction treatment services in Cuain Mhuire and has been attending CADS weekly for a month.

“I've seen an awful lot of Mr McNally over the last few weeks. I knew what Gda McWeeney was going to say before he said it,” said Judge Owens.

However, she admitted Mr McNally to bail, subject to a number of conditions, including a curfew of 11pm to 7am, a daily sign on and that he remain intoxicant free.

He has also been warned to stay away from a number of family members and not to enter their homes without being invited.

“I don't usually volunteer myself or my colleagues for special court sittings, but if he does not comply with those conditions, this case warrants a special court,” said Judge Owens.

“We don't work 9 to 5, we work 24/7 and you will be going into custody if you don't comply with these conditions.”

She proceeded to remand Mr McNally on bail to July 2, 2024, when DPP directions are expected to be available.