Man in court after abusing Letterkenny Gardai while on stag party

A man who was in Letterkenny on a stag party recently has appeared in court after abusing gardai.

Stephen Quigley was before Letterkenny District Court on a public order charge relating to an incident on April 20, 2025.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that gardai were on patrol at Oldtown Road when they observed Quigley standing in the middle of the road. Quigley had thrown his mobile phone and wallet around him.

He subsequently became abusive to gardai, who were present.

Quigley, aged 26 and of Ross Road, Riverstown, Sligo, called a garda “useless c***” during the interaction.

The accused man was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station.

Quigley has two previous convictions for driving without a licence and driving without insurance dating back to 2018.

Sergeant Collins said Quigley was apologetic when he sobered up.

Mr Frank Dorrian, solicitor for Quigley, said: “His consumption overtook his reason. He got separated from his group and found himself in an unfortunate position.”

Quigley was before the court on a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place, contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

A charge of being intoxicated in a public place was struck out.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said the language used by Quigley to the gardai was “unacceptable”.

Quigley was given a chance to avoid a conviction by making a €150 donation to the Letterkenny Youth and Community Club. A default order, of a conviction and a €200 fine, was also set down by the judge.