GARDAÍ were forced to use pepper spray to restrain a man stripped to the waist and threatening to fight, Letterkenny District Court has heard.
Paul Laughlin, who is 25 and from Gleann Rua, Killylastin, appeared in court charged with being intoxicated in a public place, disorderly conduct and failing to follow the direction of gardai.
Inspector Michael Harrison said gardai were on duty in Market Square when they spotted Laughlin in a row with other men.
He said officers gave Laughlin a chance to move on, but when they returned the defendant “had his shirt off and was trying to fight with another male, swinging his fists wildly”.
Gardai were forced to use pepper spray to restrain Laughlin.
Two fixed penalty charge notices were given to the Killylastin man but he hadn’t paid them.
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client had been out with friends and had drunk too much.
“Certain comments made about family members by another person and this resulted in him bringing himself to the attention of gardai. His anger was towards another person and not gardai,” said Mr Gallagher.
He said Laughlin had found a job since the incident and regretted his behaviour.
Judge Paul Kelly ordered Laughlin to pay a €250 fine.