Letterkenny man who challenged Gardaí to fight fined

March 3, 2021

A MAN who offered to fight Gardaí in a Letterkenny car park has been fined in court.

On June 22, 2019, Gardaí responded to an incident in the car park of Simpson’s Supermarket, Circular Road, Letterkenny.

Paddy Kelly (48) of The Gardens, Ballymacool, Letterkenny was observed ‘stumbling around the car park’, Sergeant Jim Collins told the court.

Gardaí detected a very strong smell of liquor from Kelly.

When Gardaí attempted to interact, Sergeant Collins said Kelly told them to ‘fuck off’ and looked for a fight.

The night in question was on rally weekend and a large crowd of onlookers was present.

Kelly was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station.

Defence solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian said his client has had ongoing issues with alcohol.

“He has been sober for three years, but there have been relapses,” he said. “This incident occurred in the aftermath of a family occasion. Since then, he has absented himself from such gatherings.

“This is regretted insofar as it is recalled. It is a vague and distant memory now.”

Judge Paul Kelly issued a fine of €150 and gave the accused six months to pay.

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