Longford man struggling with alcohol addiction was abusive towards gardaí

A man struggling with alcohol addiction will return before Judge Bernadette Owens in July to see if he has addressed his issues.

Eugene Dunn (40) of 8 Alder Field, Farnagh, Longford faced charges that on February 13, 2025 at Earl Street, Longford he was intoxicated in public and that he engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Mr Dunn came to Garda attention following a call from a member of the public about a drunk male lying on the ground in Longford town centre. When officers attended at Earl Street they found the defendant.

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As the Gardaí attempted to rouse Mr Dunn he became abusive toward the officers.

The defendant was arrested for his own safety.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Dunn had 66 previous convictions, five for public intoxication.

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Solicitor John Quinn said “the penny has dropped” for his client: “Mr Dunn and alcohol don't agree,” the solicitor told Judge Bernadette Owens.

Mr Quinn said the defendant had consulted with his GP in Mullingar and was now awaiting an appointment with an addiction counsellor.

Judge Owens indicated to the defendant she would adjourn matters to July 8 for update to and to see if Mr Dunn had engaged with addiction services.

The judge gave Gardai liberty to re-enter the matter if the defendant came to their attention.