A Scottish man who obstructed a garda and was threatening and abusive towards him was sentenced to jail at this week’s sitting of Ballina District Court.
Garda Martin McNicholas told the court that on April 10 2010 after 11pm, he received a call that Daniel Lucas, Millhouse, Weir Court, Ballina, was causing a problem in Emmett’s pub, Ballina. The defendant had vacated the premises once Garda McNicholas arrived, however he was observed in The Brook area.
Lucas, who was intoxicated, refused to give his name to the garda. When asked for ID, Lucas roared at the garda, became aggressive and told the garda to “f**k off”. The defendant lashed out at Garda McNicholas and had to be dragged to the ground and restrained. When arrested and charged, Lucas replied, “this is a heap of shit and you know it.”
The defendant, who has no previous convictions in this jurisdiction, represented himself.
Lucas told the court that he is looking for work in Ireland and has been living in Ballina for over a year.
Judge Mary Devins said to him “so you are doing nothing” but “go out and drink and abuse the gardaí?”
For the obstruction of a peace officer, Lucas was convicted and fined €500 and was sentenced to 28 days in prison; for failing to leave the area he was convicted and fined €250; for being threatening and abusive he was convicted and fined €250 and sentenced to 28 days in prison consecutive.
