Judge warns Longford resident on probation bond after he appears on drugs offence

A Longford resident, who admitted being in possession of drugs and a public order breach despite being on a good behaviour bond during the same period of time, has been convicted.

Martin Grundza of 47 Lana Aoibheann, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to a public order breach on March 9, 2023 and to being in possession of a quantity of drugs on March 19 last.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said the defendant was observed involved in a large scuffle outside a takeaway on Main St, Longford at around 12-midnight.

"Punches were thrown at people during the incident and he ended up on the ground on top of another male."

Sgt Mahon said Mr Grundza was highly intoxicated and he was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station.

In relation to the drugs offence, the officer said the defendant was observed travelling on an e-scooter at 6.50pm in the town and he was stopped and searched by the divisional drugs unit and found with €25 of cannabis in his possession.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Grundza was placed on a good behaviour probation bond on October 1, 2024 for a 12-month period.

The defendant had 24 previous convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client was 'certainly not part of any of the violence' on the day.

“He accepts certainly that he was intoxicated but there was no involvement in the melee as was outlined by the sergeant."

Mr Quinn said his client, who is not currently working and is on a disability allowance, had a small amount of drugs for his own personal use.

"He is still engaging with his probation officer and he has a 10-month old child at home so things have been improving for him."

Judge Deirdre Gearty said it was not very satisfactory to see that the defendant was on a probation bond at the time of the offences.

"Certainly the drugs one is a concern and in relation to the public order, maybe it was a case he was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Judge Gearty fined him €100 with five months to pay.

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