Longford man who verbally abused security guard likely to escape criminal conviction if €150 to court poor box is paid

Adrian Kelly (64) of Elfeet, Newtowncashel, Longford was charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.

Sergeant Enda Daly said at 3:20pm on the date the defendant attempted to enter AIB bank on Main Street, Longford. The security guard was operating a queue system to comply with Covid regulations.

Kelly attempted to go past the queue, but the security staff informed him he wouldn't be allowed access to the bank as he did not have a mask on. Kelly left the queue and went off. He returned later with a mask on and attempted to by-pass the queue.

When the security guard went to stop Kelly he said: “You see this now you black b****rd,” and pointed to the mask.

The court was told the defendant has 36 previous convictions. Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client apologised for his behaviour.

Ms Mimnagh said Kelly did not mean to be pejorative to the security guard on the day, but was very annoyed and in a rush. Ms Mimnagh said the language used by her client was not meant as a racist slur.

She said he was baling silage and was in a rush to get to the local co-op to buy bale wrap before it was closed as the rain was coming.

Noting the facts and the pleas Judge Bernadette Owens described the defendant's comments as “appalling”.

The judge directed that if the defendant paid €150 to the court poor box he could avoid a conviction.