Baton used by gardai during arrest of drunken man in Offaly

A ONE-month suspended sentence was imposed on a man for committing public order offences in Birr.

Tullamore District Court was told that when Christopher McDonagh (41), Cuba, Banagher was being arrested on June 25 last at Emmet Square he had to be handcuffed and a baton had to be used.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody that prior to his arrest for public drunkenness and a breach of the peace that night Mr McDonagh had been assaulted himself.

He had previous convictions for assault, public order offences and larceny and had been sentenced to community service.

Defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said Mr McDonagh, a father of five, was entering a disco with his wife and got annoyed when another man assaulted him.

Judge Cody noted that the accused had a prior conviction for affray and along with the suspended sentence of one month in prison, he fined him €200.