A man who shouted abuse at gardaí after they were called to a disturbance at a wedding was sentenced to community service at Ballina District Court this week.
On July 26 2012 at 11pm, gardaí were called to the Downhill Hotel, Ballina where a row was progressing at a wedding. When gardaí arrived the row was resolved, however Owen McDonagh, 35 Cois Abhainn, Turlough Road, Castlebar, who was intoxicated, approached one of the gardaí, and staggered on top of him.
He was directed to leave the area but failed to do so. McDonagh said, “I defy you to arrest me,” and he then stood up in the face of a garda and threatened the garda. Again he refused to leave the area and used a lot of abusive language.
McDonagh has no previous convictions.
For being threatening and abusive, Judge Mary Devins convicted and sentenced him to 100 hours community service in lieu of three months in prison.
