A YOUNG man just recently released from prison claimed bouncers at a city pub smashed him to the ground with unnecessary force, when he objected to being prevented from entering the establishment.
He told Judge Fiona Lydon at Galway District Court that the bouncers should be before her, not him.
Gavin Naughton, Ballinvoher, Frenchpark, Roscommon was charged with public order offences as a result of the incident on Shop Street on December 12, 2025. Garda evidence was given that it was obvious there had been a scuffle of some sort when they arrived, as Naughton had cuts and bruises.
It transpired that Naughton had previously received a 30-month prison sentence, with the final four months suspended. He had served his time but this incident, a month after his release, could mean he has to return to prison to serve the suspended four months.
The Court was told bouncer Gearóid Flaherty refused Naughton entry and the defendant became threatening and aggressive. He made threats towards them individually and to their families. Naughton has 31 previous convictions, including one for producing a weapon during a dispute, for which he received the 30-month sentence at Roscommon Circuit Court.
Michael Cunningham solr (defending ) pleaded his client came off badly in his dispute with the bouncers but he accepted his behaviour was inappropriate. “He was aggrieved by the conduct of the bouncers on the night” he added.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. I just tried to get into a pub. They slapped me to the ground,” Naughton told Judge Fahy. He added that his “head was so bad Gardaí let me out that night to get treatment.”
Judge Fahy told the defendant he should have been more mindful on the night as he only got out of prison in November and he was in trouble again in December.
She added that she had to take into account his record and the fact that he had offended while on a suspended sentence. She imposed a two-month sentence and ordered Naughton back to Roscommon Circuit Court where it will be decided if this latest conviction and sentence triggers the four-month suspended sentence he received there.
Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.
