A young man, charged with public order offences, was warned to sort himself out or else he would be travelling in a prison van the next time he turns up in court.
Dara Lynch (18 ) with an address at 39 Gleann Na Ri, Galway, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court last Monday and pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place and failing to obey Garda orders at Eglinton Street on November 30, 2008, as well as being intoxicated in a public place at Eyre Square on December 5, 2008.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that on November 30 gardai had been dealing with an incident in Eglinton Street when the defendant interrupted. He was ordered to leave but failed to do so. On December 5, at 8.20pm the defendant was found to be intoxicated in Eyre Square and was walking in and out of traffic. Inspector Coppinger said that Lynch had been a danger to himself and to traffic and was arrested for his own safety. He added that Lynch had three previous convictions for drink driving and public order offences.
Defence solicitor Louise Howard said that her client had been out one of the nights for an 18th birthday party and on the second occasion he had been out celebrating the end of his college course. “On both nights he overindulged in drink,” she said.
“There are people before the courts, with 20 to 30 previous convictions, who are very young but have their difficulties. I can see you going like this if you don’t do something,” said Judge Fahy. She then expressed surprise that neither of his parents was present in court.
Judge Fahy noted that the defendant was able to go home to Castlerea without getting into trouble. She warned that if Lynch were to be brought before the court again he “will be travelling in that white van outside”. She then told Ms Howard to contact his parents to explain the seriousness of these offences.
Lynch was given a total fine of €400 with three months to pay.
