Going-away night turned sour for Skibb man off to Canada

A going-away night in Clonakilty for a carpenter who was moving to Canada turned sour when he ended up being arrested for public order offences.

James Herraghty (24) of 4 Sycamore Heights, Skibbereen appeared in custody at a recent sitting of Bandon District Court having been arrested the previous night.

Gda Brian Morris gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and the defendant pleaded guilty to three public order charges including being drunk in a public place, using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and giving a false name.

Sgt Brian Harte told the court that at 3.25am on September 6th last, Gda Tim McCarthy was on a patrol duty when he came across the defendant asleep on Pearse Street in Clonakilty.

‘He woke him up and immediately the defendant became extremely abusive and told Gda McCarthy to fuck off and gave him a false name,’ said Sgt Harte.

‘He was highly drunk and he was eventually arrested and he continued to be abusive and un co-operative at the garda station.’

Sgt Harte said that when asked for his name Mr Herraghty said ‘John go fuck yourself’ and then he continued to give false details until 8.30am when he gave his correct name.

Defence solicitor Ray Hennessy said his client – who has no previous convictions – sincerely apologises for the offences.

‘He had a lot of drink on board as it was his going away party as he is going to Canada on Sunday (September 8th),’ said Mr Hennessy.

Mr Hennessy said his client’s friends had gone home but that his client lives in Skibbereen.

Mr Herraghty apologised to the court and said he had too much to drink on the night.

Judge McNulty noted that he felt the defendant’s ‘approach and demeanour’ was not good.

However, Mr Hennessy said his client is still in a ‘dodgy state’ as the incident happened the previous night and his parents – who were in court – were quite shocked by what had happened.

Judge McNulty said this was ‘not a thing of nothing’ and described it as ‘bad behaviour.’

‘It took him from 3.30am to 8.30am for him to apologise and tell the gardaí his real name,’ said Judge McNulty. Judge McNulty convicted and fined him €500 on the charge of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting  words and behaviour and took into consideration the charge of giving a false name to gardaí.