A SELF-employed builder who became abusive to a garda after he was found drunk and lying on a Dunmanway street has been placed on a probation bond for a year and convicted and fined €300.

Donal Barrett (44), of Moneyreague, Dunmanway, pleaded guilty at Clonakilty District Court to obstructing a peace officer, drugs possession and two public order charges.

A criminal damage charge was withdrawn by the State.

The court heard that at around 2am on December 16th last gardaí  in Dunmanway received a report of a man lying on the street at Market Square.

When Gda Collett Twomey tried to assist him for his own safety, he became aggressive and abusive towards her.

She called for backup and he was arrested and taken to Clonakilty Garda station in handcuffs.

A  later search  carried out revealed a small bag of white powder, which on analysis was found to be cocaine valued at €25. The court heard that the defendant had 17 previous convictions, including road traffic and public order matters dating back to
2006.

Defence solicitor Éamonn Fleming said his client had a very difficult life, and that his wife died in 2018 when he became the sole carer for his two children.

‘He was very drunk and had cocaine taken on the night in question. He did not cover himself in glory,’ said Mr Fleming.

‘Unfortunately, he’s not being a very good example to his children,’ said Judge Monica Leech. ‘He is in a very difficult situation parenting on his own, but he seems to be looking in the wrong direction for assistance.’

‘He apologised to me in court and I’ve accepted his apology,’ said Gda Twomey.

Judge Leech convicted and fined him €300 for obstructing a peace officer and gave him four months to pay the fine. She also admitted him to a one-year probation bond in his own bond of €150.

She took into consideration the drugs possession charge as well as the two public order charges.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.