Judge warns twins in Donegal court that abuse of gardaí will not be tolerated

A district court judge issued a stark warning to 19-year-old twins who were before the court for obstructing a garda and for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

Sam Kerins and his twin brother Daniel Kerins of 38 Dartry View, Kinlough, were before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, November 7. They pleaded guilty to wilfully obstructing Garda Laura Dillon in the execution of her duty at Main Street, Bundoran on April 20, 2025. The offence is contrary to Section 19(3) of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 (as amended by Section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006.

They also admitted threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour on the same occasion, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008.

Garda Michael Connolly told the court that at approximately 2.30am on the date in question, he and another garda were on mobile patrol in Bundoran.

“Three males came to our attention,” he said. “Garda Dillon asked their names and Sam Kerins replied ‘What the f**k go you want my name for?’”

His twin brother stepped in and provided the names and addresses.

A short time later the pair were observed again.

“Danny Kerins was trying to start a fight outside Apache Pizza,” said Garda Connolly. “Sam Kerins intervened.”

The garda outlined that the men became verbally and physically abusive towards gardaí. They were arrested and taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station.

Solicitor Rory O’Brien asked the garda if he agreed that there was a large amount of alcohol consumed.

“Yes,” replied Garda Connolly.

He also acknowledged that an apology had been tendered, and neither man had come to garda attention since the incident. 

Mr O’Brien stressed to the court that the men had pleaded guilty and apologised at the earliest opportunity.

“They are two exceptional young men who acted in an appalling way that night; very drunk, very stupid, very disrespectful,” he said. “They are absolutely embarrassed, ashamed, and genuinely remorseful.”

He said the pair came from ‘a good respectable background’ and their parents were ashamed and angry at the twins’ behaviour.

Mr O’Brien added: “They only completed their Leaving Certs last year. Both young men have been working all through their teens, employed in a wide variety of positions. They are very well regarded. 

“Ohe is working in groundworks and the other is an apprentice electrician.”Both men took to the stand to convey their apologies to gardaí, to the court, and to anyone impacted by the incident. They said they were not going drinking  out as often as previously, and they gave assurances that this behaviour would not happen again. 

Mr O’Brien appealed to the judge not to impose a criminal conviction given their youth and the absence of previous convictions. 

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham told the brothers: “If a garda asks you a question you are obliged to answer without any abusive behaviour or aggression to the garda.

“If gardaí intervene when you are trying to start a fight, it is not acceptable to this court that you engage not only in verbal abuse but physical abuse, pushing members of An Garda Síochana. Such was the nature of the incident that pepper spray had to be deployed to contain the situation. That is entirely unacceptable.”The judge acknowledged that neither defendant had any previous convictions, and she noted the plea of mitigation made by their legal representative. She also accepted their apology and their show of remorse. 

Judge Cunningham agreed to leave them without a conviction, but warned: “I  want you to be very clear on the court’s perspective on this. It will not tolerate this behaviour. An Garda Síochána is tasked to keep the peace and should not be subjected to this abuse, nor should members of the public be subjected to you trying to start a fight.”

The judge said she could see that the young men had a lot of potential, and a criminal conviction would have very serious consequences for future employment and travel. 

“On this occasion and this occasion only, I will allow you to make a contribution to Little Blue Heroes, which is appropriate in the circumstances,” said Judge Cunningham.

She asked that they each make a donation of €400 to the garda charity by February 6. Should they fail to do so, a conviction and fine of €500 would be imposed. 

The judge added: “If either of you come before me on something similar, you will not be given an opportunity like this again. 

“It seems to me that you have learned your lesson but time will tell.”