Hi °C | Lo °C A JUDGE has banned a 20-year-old man from public houses and betting shops in three counties for six months after he was drunkenly abused gardai by calling them 'retards'.
Judge Alan Mitchell told Adam Condon at Swords District Court that his “attitude to gardai is unacceptable” and that he displays a “lack of empathy and sympathy to people with special needs.”
Condon of St Columba's Rise in Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at the public office in Swords Garda Station on December 29, 2012.
Sergeant Bob Kavanagh gave evidence that at around 3am Condon entered Swords Garda Station in an intoxicated state and was in the middle of a dispute over a taxi fare with his friend.
“He called his friend a Down's Syndrome c**t and spat in his face,” said Sgt Kavanagh.
Condon then turned to two gardai and called them retards and slags. The court heard that Condon went on to further abuse the gardai telling them: “I'd hate to be you getting paid €20 an hour. Go back to school.”
Defence solicitor Brendan Foley told the court that Condon, who has no previous convictions, acted in a despicable way.
“He apologised to the gardai and the manner in which he behaved in is entirely a once-off,” said Mr Foley.
“There is no excuse except he was highly intoxicated and it was 3am. And he is humiliated that it has been canvassed in open court,” said Mr Foley.
Judge Mitchell remarked “there's a saying – in wine there is truth,” and remarked that the “nasty side” of Condon's character came out after too much alcohol.
“His attitude to gardai is totally unacceptable and referring to people with special needs is unacceptable behaviour,” said Judge Mitchell.
He told Condon he is “fortunate” that he does not have special needs and that he should take into account his good fortune.
“Have empathy for those with special needs,” Judge Mitchell told Condon.
He convicted and fined Condon €100 and gave him a month's sentence which he suspended for six months. He also ordered Condon refrain from alcohol and excluded him from entering any licenced premises in County Dublin, Dublin City, Meath and Louth for six months. He also excluded Condon from entering betting shops.
“I am asking gardai to keep an eye out for you,” he warned Condon. “You are getting some chance today and hopefully it's a lesson learned for the future,” he added.
