Dad arrested for public order offence at son's 18th birthday

A CLONAKILTY father who was out celebrating his son’s 18th birthday ended up being arrested by gardaí for a public order offence, but avoided a custodial sentence.

Mark Wiseman of 5 Convent Court, Clonakilty pleaded guilty to a charge of using or engaging in any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court.

Sgt Paul Kelly told the court that at 12.45 am on August 25th last gardaí were called to a hotel in Clonakilty because the defendant was drunk and becoming aggressive. 

When gardaí tried to arrest him, he got even more aggressive and he was eventually taken to Bandon Garda Station.

Solicitor Conrad Murphy said that his client, who is unemployed, doesn’t drink that regularly and on the night in question he was out celebrating his son’s 18th birthday.

‘He got out of control and he apologises profusely and he is very embarrassed about what happened,’ said Mr Murphy.

Judge James McNulty enquired if the defendant’s son was present when he was arrested. Mr Murphy said he was not sure.

‘That’s cringing embarrassment and you became more aggressive and you then had to be arrested and I think it’s jail time,’ said Judge McNulty.

Sgt Kelly said the State was withdrawing a charge of being drunk in a public place due to the guilty plea on the other charge and told Judge McNulty that the defendant has eight previous convictions.

Judge McNulty directed the defendant to speak to the probation officer about his suitability for community service and following a consultation, Mr Murphy said his client was deemed suitable and was prepared to do it.

Judge McNulty convicted the defendant on the public order charge and directed him to perform 100 hours of community service, in lieu of three months in prison.