Two women who were “totally out of control” abusing staff and gardai at a city centre pub after being directed to leave the premises have been warned that if they appear in court again they will end up in jail.
Aine Hanley (36 ) with an address at Apartment 4, 33 Upper Abbeygate Street, and Lorraine McKenna (27 ) with an address at Saint Martins, Mincloon, Rahoon, both pleaded guilty at Galway District Court last Monday to being intoxicated in a public place, and threatening and abusive behaviour at High Street on January 15, 2009. A charge of failing to obey Garda orders brought against Hanley was withdrawn.
Inspector Pat McHugh said that at 9.45pm the defendants had been drinking in Murphy’s pub and refused to leave when requested to by staff. A barman told gardai that the women had been abusive, roaring, and were seen drinking cans of alcohol which had not been bought on the premises. When gardai approached the two women laughed at them and refused to leave. Hanley told gardai to “f**k off”, refused to give her name, and had to be restrained while McKenna was abusive and insulting to other patrons.
In the case of Hanley, Inspector McHugh said that she had six previous convictions which included giving a false name under the Road Traffic Act, driving without insurance, and drink driving.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that Hanley, who is single and unemployed, was embarrassed about the incident and had a poor recollection of it.
“It’s a horrific record. She keeps throwing her eyes up to heaven... She’s not embarrassed, she has a chip on her shoulder. She is not acting like a normal woman of her age. You can’t behave like this to other people. It’s not fair to staff, patrons, or gardai,” said Judge Mary Fahy, who fined Hanley a total of €800 with three months to pay.
The court heard that McKenna had 22 previous convictions which include public order offences, road traffic offences, and the cultivation of cannabis.
“How dare she come into this court for abusing staff after getting a chance,” said Judge Fahy.
Ms Corcoran explained that McKenna had been through a tough time, that she had been in a volatile relationship, her stepfather had died recently, and her house had burnt down. She added that McKenna “doesn’t go out that often”.
“She wouldn’t want to,” replied Judge Fahy. “The two of them are totally out of control and abusive, and are looking at a custodial sentence next time they appear in court,” she warned.
McKenna was then convicted and sentenced to two months suspended for nine months on the condition that she be of good behaviour. She was also fined €100.
