This article is from page 14 of the 2012-09-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
AN Ennis man whom a court was told suffers from alcoholism has been ordered to engage with the probation services.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Darren Maughan (21), with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that gardaí were called to a disturbance at Abbey Street on September 9 (2012).
He said Mr Maughan was involved in a fight with another man.
The court heard that when asked by gardaí to stop fighting, Mr Maughan told them to f*** off.
Insp Gallagher told the court that Mr Maughan has 22 previous convictions.
Defence solicitor William Cahir said his client is unable to control his problem with alcohol. He said; “He was entirely responsible for what happened in the night.”
“He has a huge problem with alcoholism. He appreciates this problem but he cannot control it”, Mr Cahir added.
Judge Patrick Durcan said that Mr Maughan has “no respect for law and order.” He adjourned the case for a week for a report from the probation services.
Judge Durcan said he was considering imposing a 100-hour community service order, in lieu of two months in prison.
He explained that he made the decision because he did not see why the State should have to pay € 1700 a week to keep Mr Maughan in prison. The case was adjourned until September 26.