Man fined after Longford Summer Festival disturbance
A man who failed to obey the commands of a garda after becoming unruly at the Longford Summer Festival has been convicted and fined at a recent District Court sitting.
Ese Erujaroh (54) Forest View, Newcastle, Ballymahon, Co Longford, pleaded guilty to being found drunk in public and refusing to comply with the directions of a garda at Ballymahon Street, Longford on July 16, 2023.
Sgt Enda Daly said Sgt Darran Conlon came across the accused who had reportedly spotted in an intoxicated state, “annoying people”.
He said at this stage Sgt Conlon gave Mr Erujaroh a direction under Section 8 of the Public Order Act to leave the area area. The court was told Mr Erujaroh initially complied with the order until Sgt Conlon returned later that morning to field further complaints.
Among them included an allegation from two members of the public that the accused was “harassing” them.
Mr Erujaroh was allegedly given one final opportunity to comply with the orders of Sgt Conlon before he was arrested and charged. It was also revealed Mr Erujaroh had in the region of 20 previous convictions to his name. In defence, solicitor John Quinn said his client was an employee of Center Parcs and simply took in too much alcohol on the night.
Judge Miriam Walsh replied, saying: “That seems to be a trend.”Mr Quinn replied for a second time, arguing certain mitigating factors were at play. “He (Mr Erujaroh) went to a festival in Longford,” he said. “He took too much drink and didn't understand the garda's command because of the consumption. “Otherwise, he is law abiding''.
Judge Walsh issued a three month sentence suspended for six months and fined Mr Erujaroh €300 for the non compliance charge while taking into consideration the accompanying public order charge.