'Extremely dangerous': Drunk man attempting to walk to Longford along N4 at night fined
Longford man, who appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court, was fined €250 after Gardaí found him walking along a roadway at night while heavily intoxicated
A Longford man was fined €250 after Gardaí found him walking along a roadway at night while heavily intoxicated.
Brian Fitzpatrick (63), of St Martha's Hostel, Knocknahaw, Dublin Road, Longford, appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court in relation to a public order offence.
The court heard that on November 26, 2025, at approximately 7.38pm, Gardaí were carrying out a checkpoint when they observed a bus pull in near Carrick-on-Shannon.
Giving evidence, a Garda told the court that Fitzpatrick had been ejected from the bus and was subsequently seen walking along the road towards Longford.
The court heard Fitzpatrick was dressed in dark clothing and was walking on the roadway during hours of darkness. Gardaí became concerned for his safety due to his level of intoxication and the dangers posed by traffic on the road.
The Garda told the court that Fitzpatrick was "very drunk" and appeared intent on walking all the way to Longford despite the conditions. "He was very drunk and was attempting to walk to Longford. It was extremely dangerous," the Garda said.
The court also heard that Fitzpatrick was "extremely, extremely drunk" when approached by Gardaí. He was arrested at the scene and transported to Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station where he was dealt with under public order legislation.
Judge Ciarán Liddy heard the matter during a sitting of Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on May 26. Having considered the evidence, Judge Liddy imposed a fine of €250 and allowed three months for payment.