A man who claimed he was defending a barmaid's honour was fined €750 in the District Court this week (July 8 ) for his part in the ensuing public order ruckus.
The court was told how gardai were called to a disturbance at Browne's Bar on Connaught Street at around 5.10pm on April 27.
On arrival, they stopped a car in which was the defendant, Joseph O'Neill (38 ) of St Anne's Terrace, Athlone.
“He told them to 'f**k off',” said Inspector Nicholas on behalf of the State.
“He was asked to desist again, he refused and was arrested. He resisted violently.”
As O'Neill had pleaded guilty, his previous convictions were read to the court and it was revealed he had received a two month sentence in 2005 for assault and a three month sentence in 2006 for public order offences.
“Another party was particularly abusive to the lady behind the bar and he came to her defence,” said Mr Mark Cooney, defending.
“It was, perhaps, unwise, considering how under the weather he was.”
He explained how O'Neill was unemployed but on disability benefit.
“He drinks more than there's water in Lough Ree,” said the judge.
“You've had your bites at the cherry.”
He went on to fine O'Neill €750 and ban him from all pubs in the country, with three months in jail on default.
“Your conduct was shameful in the extreme,” said Judge Neilan.
“If licensees are going to accommodate you, you can tell them from me they won't have a licence to trade.”
