A Wicklow farmers had a costly sting in the tail to a stag night in Galway when a return trip to the city left him €750 the poorer.
Judge Fiona Lydon was told at Galway District Court that on the night of June 14 last Gardaí were dealing with an incident at Quay Street when Patrick McGrath of Whitetown, Stratford on Slaney, Co Wicklow began filming them on his phone.
When told to stop filming, McGrath became irritated and asked why “does it need so many of you” to deal with the situation and asked them if they’d ever “f*** off”. He was arrested and charges with three public order offences, one of which was withdrawn.
His solicitor said McGrath was 31 and a farmer from Wicklow. He’d come to Galway for a stag event and accepted that he should have stopped his behaviour when asked to do so by Gardaí carrying out their duties. He apologised for his behaviour.
However, when Judge Lydon inquired if this apology had been made in person to the Gardaí he had abused, she was told that he had not done so personally but wished to do so now. Sgt Damien Prendergast offered to convey the apology to the Gardaí in question.
The Judge said she would apply the Probation Act provided McGrath made a donation of €750 to the Little Blue Heroes charity or in default of this he could receive a conviction and a fine of €1,000.
Solicitor John Martin thanked the Judge on behalf of his client for being very generous.
