A drunk man who was threatening and abusive towards gardaí in Ballina Garda Station was this week sentenced to prison by Judge Mary Devins.
Ballina District Court heard that on August 30 2011 at 12.15am, Michael Reape, 19 Mount Assumpta, Ballina, entered Ballina Garda Station, went towards a door which leads into a private section of the station and tried to open the locked door. When he could not open the door he banged on it. Garda Niall O’Malley spoke to the defendant. Reape said that he wanted to visit a prisoner who had been arrested. Another garda then came to the door and Reape became aggressive and abusive towards gardai. He was directed to leave but failed to do so. Gardaí tried to escort the defendant to the door, however Reape lashed out at gardaí.
Reape has 12 previous convictions.
For failing to leave the area when directed Judge Devins convicted and fined him €100 and sentenced him to 28 days in prison. For being threatening and abusive he was convicted and fined €200 and sentenced to 28 days in prison consecutive.
