Busker used his mic to hurl abuse at garda

Andrew Phelan

A CITY centre busker used his microphone to hurl abuse at a garda when she tried to move him on, a court heard.

John Dwyer (27) resisted arrest and shouted obscenities when approached by gardai as he performed on Grafton Street.

Judge Cormac Dunne said he would leave him without convictions if he made a €350 donation to charity.

Dwyer, of Ballyfermot Parade, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to charges of breaching the peace, failing to obey garda directions and obstruction in the incident on October 18 last.

Garda Grace McCarry told the court she approached the accused while he was busking on Grafton Street at 5.05pm on the day in question.

He became very abusive, shouted obscenities at her through his microphone and resisted arrest.

Judge Dunne asked if the defendant was suitable for the adult caution scheme and the garda replied that this was not possible because of the obstruction charge before the court.

Pressure

The court heard Dwyer had been under financial pressure at the time because he had been let go from his job and was not in receipt of social welfare.

Judge Dunne asked why the accused was using his microphone to shout abuse.

Dwyer was "not himself" and was under a lot of pressure at the time, his lawyer replied.

The court heard the defendant had a qualified in computers from City and Guilds in London.

He had no criminal record and was eager to avoid a conviction because he had family in the US and wished to be able to travel to visit them.

The court heard the defendant "settled down" once he was arrested.

The judge adjourned the case and said he would leave the defendant without a conviction if he paid €350 to charity by the next date. In default, he would be fined €500.

aphelan@herald.ie