Longford man refused to comply with garda order

A man who refused to leave a licenced premises on Main Street, Longford when instructed to do so by gardaí has been convicted and fined €400.

Emils Jonuss (19), of 13 Ard Michael, Ballinalee Road, Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Longford District Court charged with public order offences.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the state, told the court that, on April 1, 2024, Gardaí on patrol observed a group of males arguing outside a licenced premises.

The accused man, the court heard, was highly intoxicated and, when ordered by Gardaí to move on, failed to deal so.

“An order was given to him to leave but he continued to engage with the other parties, shouting abuse, so was arrested,” said Sgt Mahon.

“Garda Rachel Carlin knows him well and did give him an opportunity to move on.”

Solicitor for the defence, Mr Frank Gearty, said “what's blatantly obviously his problem here is alcohol”.

“He was the victim of an assault on the dance floor in the licenced premises and he did not react violently,” he said.

“But in an intoxicated state, he did not comply with what Garda Carlin asked him to do. Garda Carlin had no intention of charging him with section 6 and section 4 public order except she had to because he wouldn't move on.”

Judge Owens noted the accused has been before the court “for quite some time”.

“It's very disappointing to see these new charges before the court,” she said.

“Lest I be hasty and enforce an immediate custodial sentence on this man, which would be my immediate reaction given the number of chances he has been given, I will remand him on bail to September 10.

“I want an update from the Sergeant on this progress.”

Mr Jonuss will reappear on September 10, 2024.