Two men, who incensed by racist comments became embroiled in an altercation at Eyre Square, were both fined €350.
Russel Ndlovu (35 ) with an address at 92 Upper Heatherview, Sligo, and John Siziba (29 ) with an address at 434 Millbrook Apartments, Sligo, both appeared at Galway District Court on Monday where they pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour at Eyre Square on March 14, 2010. A charge for obstruction was withdrawn by the State.
Inspector Brendan Carroll told the court that at 4.30am a fight involving a number of people broke out at Eyre Square. Gardai attempted to speak with the defendants who were both very abusive and agressive and had to be restrained.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her clients, both originally from Zimbabwe, had been getting into a taxi with the view of going home when they were “racially abused” by other individuals. “They were upset at the time,” she explained.
“If they were getting into a taxi, they should have got in,” replied Judge Mary Fahy.
Ms Corcoran said that the person who was hurling the racial abuse actually stopped the defendants from getting into the taxi. She then said that Siziba, who has been in the country for six years, is currently trying to pursue further education and is therefore “anxious to keep a clean record”. With regards to Ndlovu Ms Corcoran said that he has three children, has been in the country for six years, and is also educating himself.
“They are not the kind of individuals to get into trouble. They are genuinely asking for a chance. This is an insolated incident,” said Ms Corcoran.
“It has become quite common for this type of behaviour in Eyre Square where big groups gather, it can be dangerous,” said Judge Fahy before imposing a fine of €350, with three months to pay, on both defendants.
