One drunken Leaving Cert student was ‘loving it’ at McDonald’s a little too much when he became verbally abusive to staff in demanding his honey mustard chicken sandwich.
Owen Flaherty (19 ) with an address at Lochan Beag, Inverin, Galway, appeared at Galway District Court last Monday and pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour on June 20, 2008 at McDonald’s, Shop Street, Galway. A charge of being intoxicated in a public place was struck out.
Inspector Michael O’Dwyer told the court that the defendant entered the premises in a very intoxicated state. Flaherty then shouted at the manager, screaming, “Give me a honey mustard chicken sandwich, you bastard... You are in my country”.
Defence solicitor Adrian MacLynn admitted that there was “awful language used” but that his client had no recollection of it. He added that once the defendant heard what he had done his reaction was shock. Mr MacLynn said that his client was due to sit the Leaving Cert next year.
“Alcohol is no excuse for this behaviour,” replied Judge Mary Fahy.
Mr MacLynn replied that his client accepts that “drink does not agree with him”. The court also heard how Flaherty is in a relationship and one of the conditions of the relationship is that he does not drink. Flaherty had also apologised profusely to the staff.
Judge Fahy reminded Inspector O’Dwyer that under the Criminal Justice Public Order Act it was possible to put in place an exclusion order, preventing the defendant from entering the premises for 12 months. The Inspector replied that such a measure would not be neccessary.
The defendant was convicted and fined €500 with three months to pay.
