'It will not be tolerated': Warning amid spike in public order offences in busy Clare town

A Clare judge has issued a warning that public order offences can carry serious consequences, including the possibility of a prison sentence.

At a sitting of Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett highlighted that "people need to understand there is a prison sentence for Section 6 offences."

He outlined his intention to place a "particular focus" on such offences indicating that he will consider harsher sentences in cases where convictions are recorded under Section 6 of Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, Section 6.

Expressing his concern, Judge Gabbett said there is a particular issue in Ennis town and that the "amount of public resources being used is inordinate" and that a "shocking amount of resources are being diverted from other areas."

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Judge Gabbett noted that many of these offences involve accused persons becoming abusive towards gardaí whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs saying: "I have an issue with gardai being abused."

Section 6 of Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act prohibits any person in a public place from using or engaging in any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned.

Anyone who is guilty of an offence under this section, can be fined up to €1,000 or be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.

Courts have the discretion to impose either or both penalties depending on the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the offender.