A Belmullet man was sentenced to six months in prison at Castlebar District Court this week for the possession of drugs and for threatening and abusive behaviour.
Liam McHale, Muing, Carnflower, Belmullet, was before court for a section six public order charge which took place on September 3 2011 at 8.25am. Garda Caoimhe Walsh attended an incident at Mountain View, Castlebar, where the defendant was abusive towards her. When asked for his name he told the garda on a number of occasions to “f**k off”, and also said “f**k off you prostitute”. Eventually the defendant gave Garda Walsh his name.
McHale has a number of previous convictions, with a community assessment report also before Wednesday’s court.
Defending solicitor Peter Loftus said that McHale had a drink problem and that during the time the community assessment report was being prepared his client was off alcohol. However on the day of the offence McHale celebrated his birthday by drinking.
Judge Mary Devins said: “This man has drink related convictions for almost eight years.”
The court heard that the 34-year-old is unemployed. Judge Devins said: :The State is giving you money which you use to get gloriously drunk... to abuse gardaí and to buy cannabis.”
The judge said that “for the first time ever I think” she would not follow the recommendations of the probation service, in relation to the community service assessment report. For the possession of cannabis charge in December 2010 (evidence of which was given at another court ) the judge convicted and fined McHale €300 and sentenced him to three months in prison.
For the public order offence he was convicted and fined €300; directed to give €200 to the charity of choice of Garda Walsh, and was sentenced to three months in prison consecutive.
