Man who shouted abuse at gardai in Offaly appears in district court

A MAN who was shouting abuse at gardai was told to leave the area several times.

Jeffrey Mooney (28) of 14, Grove Street, Crinkle, Birr, appeared at last week's district court sitting in Tullamore.

On August 3 last at 3am Mr Mooney refused to leave Emmet Square, Birr, having been directed to do so. He also refused to provide a name and address to Garda Loughnane. He has since apologised to Garda Loughnane, his solicitor Patrick Martin told the court.

Judge Cody asked Sergeant Brendan Kearns what he was calling the gardai. Sergeant Kearns said he was commenting on the gardai being civil servants.

''Could be worse,'' remarked Judge Cody.

Mr Martin said Jeffrey Mooney had brought €300 with him to court. He said he had children and had been working as a courier but had finished on July 30.

Judge Cody directed that the money be donated to the Garda Benevolent Fund and he applied the probation act.