One of the men bailed in Mullingar on Monday (February16 ) for his part in the Dalton Park riots, was remanded to Castlerea Prison from the District Court in Athlone on Wednesday (February 18 ) after being arrested drunk in Longford on Tuesday night with his trousers around his ankles.
Christopher Nevin (25 ), with an address given as 33, Abbeylands, Mullingar appeared again before Judge John Neilan on Wednesday to plead guilty to two public order charges after being arrested on Park Road, Longford the night before.
“We got a call that there was a male in the middle of the road jumping in front of cars,” said Garda Irene Delaney.
“When we got there he pulled down his trousers. He was very intoxicated and unsteady on his feet. He was very aggressive and he said he would headbutt gardai.”
Nevin, who was unrepresented at the time and heavily escorted, shouted at the judge that he had been assaulted and attempted to pull up his trouser leg to show evidence but was warned for his behaviour by Judge Neilan.
He also claimed he wasn’t drunk at the time but was just walking home.
Garda Delaney clarified these claims.
“He was taken to casualty but refused treatments,” she said.
“We only heard about these assault claims for the first time at 10 o’clock this morning.”
Judge Neilan asked Nevin if he wanted legal representation and he chose Mr Padraig Quinn.
Garda Delaney also told the court that when arresting Nevin, a Credit Union book was found on his person, which was handed to the court.
Judge Neilan impounded this and said he was going to direct Mullingar Credit Union to freeze the account “to see if he has funds available” and to confirm its ownership.
He asked Inspector Pat Murray to check if the defendant had made any applications for legal aid in relation to his recent appearances in Mullingar.
He remanded Nevin in custody to appear at Longford District Court next Tuesday (February 24 ) after accepting he breached two of his conditions of bail from Monday, namely that he observe an 8pm-8am curfew and that he “lead a sober and industrious life”.
As he was being led off, Nevin shouted: “I’ll pay no-one in court”.
“Get him out,” said Inspector Murray to his officers and they professionally obliged.
