Judge fed up with Temple Bar after new violence case

Andrew Phelan

A JUDGE has said he is fed up with Temple Bar after dealing with the latest in a series of public order cases to come before him at Dublin District Court.

Judge Hugh O'Donnell was commenting after hearing a young man tried to headbutt gardai when he was being arrested for causing a disturbance outside a nightclub.

The court heard the incident happened at 1.55am. Gardai arrived to find security staff had the accused man restrained at the side entrance to Sin Nightclub.

"It's an appropriate name for a nightclub," Judge O'Donnell commented.

James Brazil (24) was ordered to make a charity donation to avoid convictions following the incident.

Brazil, with an address at The Forge, Railway Street, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to causing a breach of the peace and obstructing gardai at Sycamore Street on June 17 last.

VIOLENT

As officers spoke to Brazil, he refused to calm down and was arrested.

As he was being handcuffed, he swung his head back, attempting to headbutt gardai but failing to make contact.

He continued to act in a violent manner.

"This is Temple Bar late at night, it is a fairly familiar situation to the court," defence solicitor Edward Flynn said.

"I'm fed up to the back teeth with Temple Bar at 1.55am," Judge O'Donnell said.

Judge O'Donnell adjourned the case to February 14 next and said he would strike the charges out if Brazil made a €250 contribution to Alone.

Gardai are actively trying to curb anti-social behaviour in the tourist hot-spot of Temple Bar as there have been a growing number of complaints from the area.

However, the number of public order and drunkenness offences for the Pearse Street District – which includes Temple Bar area – fell in the last three years, according to the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.

"Gardai have tasked a specific unit to deal with public order incidents, deploying a public order van on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights," he said.

"I am also informed that the deployment of plainclothes officers in Temple Bar has led to significant successes in tackling drug-related issues."

The Herald has revealed how city chiefs were considering setting up a special anti-social behaviour squad to deal with the escalating problem.

Officials believe council resources should be used to create a dedicated anti-social behaviour unit.

A request has also been made to Environment Minister Phil Hogan for extra measures.

aphelan@herald.ie

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