‘With his record he is a ticking time-bomb’
By Brendan Grehan
A MAN who “fell off the wagon” on the same day his mother had a stroke and after he sold a kitchen left Blanchardstown District Court with a €150 fine.
Peter Keenan, aged 41, with an address at Dunawley Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to breaching the peace, failing to comply with a garda’s directions and giving a false name and address to a garda at the County Bar, Lucan, on August 29, 2018.
Sergeant Geraldine McManigan told the court that at 12.50am on the above date, the gardai received a call to go to the County Bar where Keenan was found outside shouting at staff and at members of the public.
Sgt McManigan said Keenan was acting aggressively and was asked to desist by the gardai. She said he continued to be abusive and was then directed under the Public Order Act to move on. Sgt McManigan said Keenan continued to be abusive and was arrested.
She added that Keenan continued to be abusive after his arrest and also gave a false name and address.
Sgt McManigan said Keenan had 13 previous convictions but none since 2012.
She said five of the convictions were for public order. At Tallaght Court on May 21, 2012, he had been fined €150 for public drunkenness.
Keenan’s defence lawyer said his client had left school after the Junior Cert and had been working as a bricklayer and is now working as a skilled labourer.
He said Keenan has a problem with alcohol and had gone for treatment twice.
Judge McHugh said: “So he fell off the wagon. With his record he is a ticking time-bomb and one day he will be going through those doors behind him.”
The Solicitor said that on the date in question, Keenan’s mother had a stroke and he had sold a kitchen and he went drinking.
Judge McHugh fined Keenan €150.
