A district court judge has warned an out-of-control teenager that any more “outrageous” behaviour could result in jail.
Nineteen-year-old Aisling Stuart with an address at 58 Glenbaun, Ballybane, appeared in Galway District Court yesterday charged with possession of cannabis, being intoxicated in a public place, threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with Garda directions, and failing to appear in court.
The court heard that the defendant had been arrested on foot of a bench warrant the morning of the court sitting. Inspector Michael Coppinger said that on October 11, 2009, at 2.30am in Eyre Square, the defendant had been seen fighting with another female and was “screaming abuse”. When a garda went to break up the fight Stuart became extremely aggressive and abuse. She shouted abuse at the garda:
Then on June 3, at 2.58am Stuart entered Galway Garda station to enquire about a friend who had been arrested earlier. When told to leave she refused and began shouting, she was later charged with failing to comply with Garda directions. On May 9, 2009, at 5.40am a group had been causing a disturbance in the Ballybane area. When gardai responded they found that the defendant was holding €12 worth of cannabis in her hand. Inspector Coppinger added that the defendant had no previous convictions.
Regarding the incident in Eyre Square, defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her client does not recollect much but that comments had been made to her. Ms Corcoran added that Stuart sincerely apologises. She said that the defendant had completed her Leaving Cert in 2007 and is awaiting a call to enter a FETAC course. Ms Corcoran then suggested that Stuart could be assisted by the preparation of a probation services report.
Judge Mary Fahy replied that she could ask for a probation services report but that there was “not great hope of her [Stuart] co-operating with them” given the amount of bench warrants. “Her behaviour has been outrageous,” said Judge Fahy before convicting and fining Stuart €200 for the possession of cannabis and a further fine of €300 for failing to obey Garda directions. Stuart was given four months to pay the fines.
“She is at risk of a sentence next time if she allows her behaviour to get out of control... She has a poor attitude,” warned Judge Fahy.
