A KILLYGORDON man who was highly abusive towards members of An Garda Síochána has been fined.
Darragh Gallagher (19) of Ballynaman, Killygordon, was before Letterkenny District Court charged with two public order offences.
Gardaí attended the scene of a disturbance at Main Street, Ballybofey at 12.40am on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
Gallagher and another male were observed in a fight.
Gallagher, who was bleeding from a cut to his right, declined medical attention before becoming ‘highly aggressive and verbally abusive’. The defendant, the court heard, was highly intoxicated at the time.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Gallagher shouted ‘fuck off you knacker’ to Gardaí. Following his arrest, Gallagher continued to be verbally abusive to the officers, shouting ‘you’re a fat prick’ and ‘you’re a fucking ugly knacker’.
Gallagher was uncooperative at first when conveyed to Letterkenny Garda station before ‘eventually’ calming down, Sergeant Collins said.
Solicitor for Gallagher, Mr Frank Dorrian, said his client had ‘far too much to drink’ on the night in question.
“He was involved in a fight and doesn’t know how,” Mr Dorrian said.
“He thinks that someone struck him. He was bleeding, angry and confused and, unfortunately, he vented his frustration at the Gardaí. He regrets the outburst.
“When he came to his senses, he apologised to the Gardaí. He simply had too much to drink and he felt that maybe Gardaí to the wrong side of it. “
Mr Dorrian said his client was ‘otherwise of excellent character’.
Addressing the court, Gallagher said: “I would like to apologise to the Gardaí for the way I acted the maggot. I had too much to drink. I was that full I said bad things and I apologise for saying them.”
Judge Paul Kelly, noting the ‘highly offensive terminology’ discharged by Gallagher, ordered the defendant to pay €200 to Planet Youth in Ballybofey.
If the funds are paid, Judge Kelly said he would leave Gallagher without conviction.