A man who went on a drunken rant with an approaching officer “because he doesn’t like Guards”, was given a two month jail sentence, suspended for a year, in the District Court this week (September 8 ).
Inspector Nicholas Farrell gave State’s evidence that Tony Wilson (35 ), of Old Wood, Roscommon was intoxicated and abusive when approached in St Mary’s Place, Athlone “walking in the direction of the garda, from a parked car” on July 14 at 8.10pm. Of his 60 previous convictions, the court learned Wilson had nine for public order offences.
“He denies he was intoxicated, judge, but he believes, whether rightly or wrongly, the garda shouldn’t’ve asked him the questions he was asking,” said Mark Cooney, defending solicitor.
“However, he accepts now he shouldn’t’ve behaved in that manner.”
He went on to explain to Judge Patrick McMahon how a probation report on Wilson had been submitted on July 7, and that “he doesn’t like Guards”.
“This position can be explained, but is not well founded,” said Mr Cooney.
“The Guards have enough to do without wasting their time like this,” said the judge, before handing down the sentence.
“If he doesn’t like the Gardai he can walk to the other side of the road.”
