A District Court Judge has warned a young Letterkenny man who appeared before her on charges of breach of the peace and obstructing a peace officer that he is at ‘the end of the road’.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham issued stern advice to Patrick Molloy at Letterkenny District Court.
Molloy, a 22-year-old of The Curragh, Lismonaghan, Letterkenny, was issued with fines totalling €500 for charges which included obstructing a Garda who was assisting a paramedic.
Inspector Tony Byrne outlined the facts of the case against Molloy.
On July 8, 2023 at 11.55pm, gardai were on patrol at Castle Street, Ramelton when they observed two individuals fighting with each other. They men were, Inspector Byrne told the court, ‘punching and roaring at each other’.
One of the males was identified as Molloy and he was arrested. The court heard that the other male involved was his brother.
Molloy was charged in connection with another matter on September 16, 2023. At 3.30am on Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, gardai were dealing with another matter when Molloy became abusive.
Gardai were assisting paramedics at the time and Molloy was subsequently arrested. The court heard that Molloy was ‘very apologetic’ when charged.
The court heard that Molloy has two previous convictions, including one for obstructing a peace officer.
Mr Rory O’Brien, solicitor for Molloy, said the incident in Ramelton involved a sibling and ‘got out of control’.
“Sibling rivalry can get the better of people, particularly when drink is involved,” Mr O’Brien.
“Patrick was endeavouring to control a situation and a melee ensued. It started and ended quickly and he cooperated fully with gardai.”
Mr O’Brien said it was time that his client learned ‘the error of his ways’.
“I hope that he has learned his lesson,” Mr O’Brien said.
Judge Cunningham said there seemed to be a ‘pattern of behaviour’ that Molloy embarks upon, noting relevant previous.
“If similar matters come back before the court, the court will have no option but to consider other sentencing options,” Judge Cunningham said.
For the breach of the peace charge, Molloy was convicted and fined €200. On the charge of obstructing a garda, Molloy was convicted and fined €300.
“The court deems this to be a more serious charge,” Judge Cunningham said, “in the context of interfering with a member of An Garda Siochana who was dealing with paramedics.”
The Judge warned Molloy that he has reached ‘the end of the road for sentencing options available for this type of behaviour’.