An unemployed father of two who was aggressive towards a female staff member at a Ballina takeaway was convicted of a public order offence at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
Garda Joseph Newell received a call at 1.45am on December 27 2008 regarding an intoxicated male who was being aggressive towards a staff member in Chipadora, Ard na Rí. On arrival at the scene, Thomas Lawrence, Killala Road, Ballina, told Garda Newell to “f**k off” and the defendant shouted that he had “f**king paid” for his food.
Lawrence, who represented himself, said that he was sorry for the incident and did not know what happened and told the court that “my drink might have been spiked”.
The defendant who has no previous convictions was convicted and fined €250 by Judge Mary Devins and directed to give €200 to the staff member to whom he was abusive.
