Longford defendant receives a six-month suspended sentence for violent disorder

A young county Longford man who committed a string of violent disorder, criminal damage, trespassing and public order offences has been handed a suspended six-month prison sentence.

Justin McCleary (22) with charge sheet addresses of Ennel View Terrace, Patrick Street, Mullingar, county Westmeath and also 6 Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown, Longford pleaded guilty to 11 charges at the local district court.

The most recent charges, from May 7, 2024 relate to property damage of a door and window at Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown where the cost of repairs were €1,000.

The most serious was that he committed violent disorder and put another person in fear at Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown on April 17, 2022.

Mr McCleary also admitted threatening and abusive and public intoxication on August 31, 2022 at Main Street, Ballymahon, and of public intoxication, engaging in threatening and abusive and property damage on July 22, 2023 at Main St, Edgeworthstown.

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He pleaded guilty to further charges that on September 25, 2023 at The Maria Edgeworth Centre he stole property (kerosene) and two counts of trespass, while he was charged with taking a vehicle on October 13, 2022.

The final charge was of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on October 23, 2023 at Mostrim Oaks, Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client's mother has been very supportive and he has completed several courses such as a barista and barbering course and he is seeking employment.

"He is very anxious to avoid a custodial sentence and I think he has worked very hard since you gave him a chance to do that to keep on the straight and narrow," she added.

Ms Mimnagh said Mr McCleary is the father of a three year old infant and he has a good relationship with the child's mother and his engagement with the probation services has improved.

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"He is doing well, we have kept him on a short leash as far as we can," she added.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked if Mr McCleary had come to any Garda attention since May 2024 and Sergeant Mark Mahon said he believed the defendant was "subject to a serious investigation in the Mullingar area".

She asked if that had "manifested itself into charges" and Sgt Mahon replied no but he added he believes "there are serious charges coming".

Judge Owens said the first probation report stated the defendant had not engaged with them and she gave him some credit for doing so.

She sentenced him to a term of six months imprisonment, which she suspended for a 12-month period subject to the provision of the probation service and a number of strict conditions.

"Whatever chance you are getting in this court you have now gotten it," Judge Owens concluded.