A 28-year-old man, who after drinking at least 15 pints and 15 double vodkas on a night out at a Mike Denver concert, was convicted and fined at Castlebar District Court for being drunk in a public place and for obstructing a patrol car.
Garda Michelle Nolan was on patrol at 4am on July 20 2011 in Claremorris where she observed Joseph O’Flanagan, 18A Cashel Park, Castlerea, on the road. He prevented the patrol car from moving around the roundabout. The defendant who was intoxicated was told to go home, however he would not let the car pass.
The court heard that the rest of his friends had gone home and it appears that he was looking for a lift. O’Flanagan told the court that he attended a concert that night in Claremorris where he drank 15 pints and 15 to 17 double vodkas. Judge Mary Devins said “it sounds as if you are preparing a dissertation on alcohol abuse.” The judge added, “you sound mildly proud of your consumption.” The defendant said that he brought €200 out with him that night and had €10 left going home. O’Flanagan said that he was working at the time but is now unemployed.
Judge Devins convicted and fined him €100 for section nine public order (wilful obstruction ), and for being drunk in a public place he was convicted and fined €120.
