A 36-year-old father of four, who was threatening and abusive in a Chinese restaurant in Castlebar as he did not want to pay for the food, was convicted at Castlebar District Court this week for the public order offence.
Garda John Cahalin was called to the Golden Sea Chinese restaurant on Thomas Street, Castlebar on November 2 this year at 10.30pm where Joe Sweeney, Nephin View, Ballindrehid, Kiltimagh, was observed disputing the price of a Chinese meal, where he was abusive and threatening to staff members and gardaí. Sweeney initially refused to leave, however when he left he continued to abuse from outside saying that he did not want to pay as the food was not good.
Solicitor for the defendant, Lynda Lenehan, said that Sweeney, who suffers from depression and an alcohol problem, was drinking all day when the incident occurred and has since apologised to staff and settled his bill with the restaurant.
Judge Mary Devins convicted and fined Sweeney €100.
