A Kerry man will have to spend an extra two months in jail for jumping over turnstiles at the Galway Races and verbally abusing pursuing gardai.
Miles O’Neill (20 ) with an address at 19 Ballinorig Close, Tralee, appeared at Galway District Court last Monday and pleaded guilty to all charges.
Garda David O’Connor told the court that he had been on duty at Galway Races on August 24, 2008, when the defendant jumped over the turnstiles at the entrance and ran into the grounds. When Garda O’Connor caught up with him the defendant then shouted “F*** ye”.
“I asked him to calm down but he failed to do so and told me, F*** you, and ran off to the amusements,” said Garda O’Connor who managed to arrest O’Neill at 3.28pm under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.
Garda O’Connor then conveyed the defendant to Galway Garda Station where he first gave his name as Michael O’Neill.
O’Neill’s solicitor said that his client accepts what happen. He said that O’Neill was 19 years old at the time and was “angry for some reason but can’t recall why”. He said that his client actually goes by both names and is serving a lengthy sentence for charges under the Theft and Fraud Act. He has been in prison since May of this year.
Judge Mary Fahy imposed a two month sentence to be served on termination of the sentence already being served.
His solicitor asked for the sentence to be suspended. However, this was refused by Judge Fahy because of the previous convictions.
Recognisance was fixed at €800 with independent surety of €800.
