Man found shouting in Longford estate left ‘ashamed’ by his behaviour, court is told

Rama Briody (32), 44 Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford, was before last week's District Court sitting accused of being found drunk in public and of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Ard Alainn, Longford on June 10.

In defence, solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was a man who when, off alcohol, was more than cordial.

“By and large he manages that extremely well,” he said, in referencing Mr Briody's ability to steer clear of drink.

In a more light hearted twist to proceedings, Mr Gearty name-dropped how the incident before the court was in some ways akin to a a science fiction novel by British writer Arthur C. Clarke dubbed 'Rendezvous with Rama'.

“This was the kind of rendezvous nobody wanted,” he quipped.

Mr Gearty signed off on his mitigation to the court by explaining how Mr Briody was a father of one and was committed to steering clear of alcohol.

Judge Bernadette Owens said the court was open to sparing Mr Briody a criminal conviction on the basis that he tendered €350 to the court poor box on the next occasion.

In adjourning the case to October 3, she told Mr Briody: “If (the money) is paid, I may be persuaded to take a benign view.”