A MAN arrested in Clonakilty in the afternoon for drunken offences was arrested again later that night for causing a disturbance in a bar and telling gardaí to ‘f*** off.’

Michael Toussifar (46) of 14 Westbourne Court, Watery Road, Ennis, Co Clare pleaded guilty at Clonakilty District Court to being drunk in a public place; using or engaging in threatening abusive words or behaviour and refusing to comply with directions from a garda.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told the court that at around 4pm on January 30th last Gda Oonagh Collins came across the accused highly intoxicated on Astna Square.

‘He was staggering on his feet. His speech was slurred and he was arrested for his own safety and the safety of others,’ said Sgt Mulcahy.

However, the court heard that later that night at approximately 11.30pm the accused, who had been conveyed to the garda station and later released, had to be removed from a bar in Clonakilty.

‘Gardaí met him outside and advised him to leave the area but he refused to co-operate and told them to f*** off. He was heavily intoxicated and was arrested on Rossa Street. He also refused to give his name and address.’

The court heard that he has 22 previous convictions including five for being drunk in a public place and three for using or engaging in threatening abusive, words or behaviour.

Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said his client, who is a dad of three, is working in Cork at the moment for a tarmac company.

‘He has significant alcohol addiction issues and went into residential treatment at the Grove in Tralee last December. It worked and he was doing well but then fell off the wagon. He was staying in a hotel in town and he apologises profusely to the gardaí,’ said Mr Murphy.

‘He is dry and sober for five weeks now and while it might now seem like a lot it is significant for him. He’s pleading guilty and making an effort.’

Judge Carroll noted that having been dealt with over a public order issue earlier in the day he then had to be removed from a bar later that night.

She sentenced him to three months in prison but suspended it for 18 months for both of the more serious public order charges.

Judge Carroll also directed him to enter into a probation bond for 12 months on the drunk in a public place charge. She said conditions of the bond include that he must co-operate with the probation service, attend all appointments and attend for alcohol addiction treatment