Father who ‘had too much whiskey’ pleads guilty to failing to comply with Garda directions
A FATHER who “had too much whiskey” at a family event and failed to move on when directed to by gardai left Blanchardstown District Court with a three-month suspended sentence.
Anthony Loftus’ solicitor, Matthew Kenny, told Judge David McHugh that his client “had too much whiskey” on the evening in question.
Loftus, aged 50, with an address at Ballyfermot Parade, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a garda’s directions at the Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin, on October 27, 2018.
Sergeant Maria Callaghan told the court that at 7.20pm on the above date, the gardai had been dealing with an incident at the Ninth Lock Road in Clondalkin.
She said a crowd had gathered and Loftus approached the gardai and was abusive. Sgt Callaghan said the gardai asked Loftus to move on a number of times but he refused.
She added that Loftus was then directed under the Public Order Act to move on.
He refused again and was arrested. She said Loftus had 25 previous convictions.
He had a conviction from Dublin Circuit Court in April 2018 for criminal damage and one for attempted robbery from 2011.
Mr Kenny said his client was embarrassed to be in court. He said Loftus had been at a family event and had too much whiskey to drink.
Mr Kenny said Loftus had served his time in prison.
He said Loftus regards the incident as “a blemish”.
Judge McHugh sentenced Loftus to three months jail, suspended for six months.
