Letterkenny District Court.
A young man who was arrested after refusing to pay his taxi is now dealing with his alcohol demons through work.
Patrick Toner (25) who now lives in Navan, Co Meath appeared in Letterkenny District Court today for failing to comply with direction of gardai, refusing to provide his name and address, using insulting behaviour and being intoxicated in a public place.
He was arrested at Letterkenny Garda Station after he refused to pay his taxi fare on January 23, 2011.
The court heard that he was in a highly intoxicated state and barely able to stand. When asked by gardai to leave the area, he used abusive language and refused to give his name and address.
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher told the court that he had returned from a period in Australia to do a full-time plumbing apprenticeship, from which he earns €250 a week.
The court heard how Toner had little or no recollection of the night in Letterkenny, and has not had a drink since. In reference to his past problems with alcohol, the defence said that he has “dealt with his demons by way of work.”
Toner has had previous public order convictions in Kells in 2008 and Trim in 2010.
Judge Paul Kelly warned Toner that he could face a custodial sentence. Toner asserted that such an incident would not happen again, as he has sworn off alcohol and attended AA meetings in Australia. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, the court heard that he hopes to return to Australia.
Toner was fined €300 for public order offences and his charge of being intoxicated in a public place (Section Four Criminal Justice Act 2003) was struck out.
by Rachel McLaughlin