A man found by Gardai shouting at a preacher in the middle of Letterkenny has been fined in court.
Arthur Gent was convicted and fined €250 when he appeared before Letterkenny District Court.
The 64-year-old, of Lui na Greine, Oldtown, Letterkenny, was before the court having been charged in connection to an incident at Market Square, Letterkenny, on July 13, 2024.
The accused was charged that he did use or engage in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.
The charge is contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Actual 1994 as amended by section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008.
Gent was also charged with failing to comply with the direction given by Garda Patrick McHugh to leave the vicinity of the place concerned in a peaceable and orderly manner, a charge contrary to section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that Gardai, who received a report of an incident, made their way to Market Square and ascertained that no offence was being committed.
However, as Gardai were about to leave, they saw the defendant approach the main preacher and act aggressively.
The court heard that Gent was shouting loudly, “what the fuck are you talking about?”
A large number of members of the public were present, Sergeant Dalton said, adding that Gent was given numerous chances to leave the area.
Solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian said the incident represented “an argument more than a public order matter”.
Mr Dorrian said his client, who has two previous convictions for road traffic offences, was objecting to the presentation.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said that did not condone aggressively approaching anyone on the street.
Judge Cunningham convicted Gent and fined him €250, allowing six months to pay.