Defendant was abusive and set fire to a blanket in cell at Longford Garda Station

A defendant who consented to engage with mental health services in Mullingar was released on bail to return before Longford District Court in December.

Chaouki Bouraiou (23), who had a charge sheet address of Room 201, Richmond Court Hotel, Richmond Court, Longford, gave an undertaking to reside at Columb Barracks, Mullingar.

The defendant is charged with public intoxication and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on September 7, 2024 at Richmond Court, Longford and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Marian Avenue, Edgeworthstown on September 8, and a criminal damage charge from the same date.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client was indicating a guilty plea to all charges and told the court a psychiatric report had been prepared for the court by Dr Benjamin O'Keefe.

Also read: Court hears Longford man intends to ‘straighten up and do something with himself’

Sgt Enda Daly outlined details of the incidents that brought Mr Bouraiou before the court. Sgt Daly said officers attending the incident on Richmond Street encountered the defendant in a drunken state at 4:15pm.

Mr Bouraiou was abusive and said he was “going to end anyone who came near him”, he was described as being “on edge” and “under the influence of an intoxicate” and was arrested for his own safety and the safety of others.

Also read: Huge interest from buyers as sale of Longford residential farm nets over €1.3 million

The second incident happened at Marian Avenue, Edgeworthstown.

The defendant was shouting and being abusive while intoxicated. He was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station.

While in the cell he set fire to a blanket. The cost of cleaning the cell and replacing the blanket was €200. Sgt Daly said the defendant had no previous convictions.

Also read: Four gardaí hospitalised in Carlow after dangerous driver strikes multiple garda cars

Ms Mimnagh told the court Dr O'Keefe's report gave a good outline of the situation and said her client was prepared to go to Mullingar for treatment. The solicitor said Mr Bouraiou has agreed to abstain from alcohol or drugs and engage with mental health service in Mullingar.

The defendant's legal representative noted that Dr O'Keefe's report confirmed Mr Bouraiou was not suffering mental illness, but observed he was “in a risk category” due to his previous drug use.

Judge Bernadette Owens directed that a probation report be prepared on the defendant and admitted him to bail on his own bond of €200. The conditions attached to the bail are that the defendant reside at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, notify Longford Gardaí of any change of address, remain intoxicant free, engage with the Mullingar Community Alcohol and Drug Service and engage with the Mullingar Community Mental Health Service.

Also read: Local author hosts Longford launch of ‘Traces of Truth - A CSI Investigates Life and Death’

Other conditions include that Mr Bouraiou attend all appointments, engage in all supports including anger management and trauma therapy, and stay away from Richmond Court.

The judge adjourned the matter to December 10 and gave Gardaí liberty to re-enter the case at any time.