After asking a man if he was a happy drunk, Judge William Harnett fined him €300 for his behaviour while drunk in Carlow town.
Noel Maher, 16 Meadow’s Way, Springhill, Graiguecullen, was before this week’s sitting of Carlow District Court.
Gardaí told the court that on October 27, 2008 at 2.15 am they were on mobile patrol in Carlow town.
At Potato Market, gardaí said they observed Mr Maher who was intoxicated and was also observed striking a member of the public, however, there was no complaint recorded from her.
He was then arrested and brought back to Carlow Garda Station. Representing himself, Mr Maher admitted to the court that on the night in question, he had drink taken.
“I was drunk,” he said. “And so I take it you are not a happy drunk,” observed Judge William Harnett in relation to the allegation that Mr Maher had hit someone.
“She ran at me, there was nothing I could do, I was only defending myself,” Mr Maher replied.
After questioning the gardaí about that version of events, Judge Harnett said Mr Maher had no witnesses to that. “Gardaí didn’t see anyone running at you,” he said. “Well I was just defending myself,” said Mr Maher. After hearing that Mr Maher had 21 previous convictions, Judge Harnett said he would deal with the defendant by way of fine and handed Mr Maher two fines of €100 and €200 for each of his public-order charges.
