Longford man found drunk and gave false name to gardaí, court hears

Thirty-four-year-old David McNally, 66 Western Park, Farneyhoogan, Longford, pleaded guilty at last week's sitting of Longford District Court charged with two public order offences on January 2 this year.

A bench warrant was initially issued for Mr McNally, in an order which was later cancelled after the Longford man showed up three hours later during the afternoon session.

Sgt Mark Mahon, for the State, said when gardaí came across the accused who was in a “highly intoxicated” state, Mr McNally gave gardaí two false names and was arrested.

It was revealed the accused had 30 previous convictions to his name, the most recent of which came at the end of November 2021.

Asked by Judge Bernadette Owens as to how Mr McNally could be in such an inebriated state at such an early hour in the morning, defence solicitor John Quinn said his client had simply consumed too much alcohol arising from the New Year celebrations.

“It was the day after New Year's Day and unfortunately the celebrations went a little over the top and there was residue left in the system that hadn't cleared,” he said.

The local solicitor added his client was currently jobless, but was hoping to return to gainful employment in the near future.

He said Mr McNally was willing to offer up a sum of money to the court poor box to avoid a conviction for the said incident.

The case was adjourned to a sitting of Longford District Court yesterday (Tuesday) where Mr McNally was due to return with the required €200 sum.