Unruly behaviour of Longford passenger on Sligo to Dublin train led to multiple Garda complaints

A train passenger, who was disruptive while travelling through county Longford on the Sligo to Dublin service and highly abusive to Gardaí after he got off, has been directed to make a charitable contribution.

Patrick McDonagh of 45 Greenfield Estate, Longford pleaded guilty to several public order breaches on May 13 last.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí received multiple complaints and at 4.10pm they attended Longford Train Station.

"The defendant was highly intoxicated on the Sligo to Dublin train and engaged in antisocial behaviour.

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"Numerous calls were received from both members of the public and the train driver in relation to his behaviour," the prosecuting officer added.

Sgt Daly said when the train arrived in Longford, the defendant along with two others, were asked to leave the train.

"They left and when on the platform continued to be very abusive and insulting to Gardaí.

"There was a lot of members of the public present at the time and he was subsequently arrested."

The defendant had no previous convictions.

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Solicitor Frank Gearty described that summary as being more than fair and it appears he had been homeless at the time.

The legal representative stated his client had travelled to Longford on the train again for his court appearance.

"This time he was in a totally different state.

"He acknowledges that his behaviour was shocking, appalling, he understands that and he is pleading with the court to consider dealing with him in a way that will give him an opportunity to travel," he added.

Mr Gearty said his client is a highly articulate man who is determined to make amends and he has ambitions of travelling to Thailand where he hopes to teach English.

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"He is willing to make a contribution to the court poor box or any other charity," he added.

Mr Gearty said Mr McDonagh could have the money within a month or two and he could 'prove he was on the correct road to sobriety'.

"He is not letting this happen again, he has now got hostel accommodation situated a few rows from where he was homeless.

"He knows this is his last chance."

Judge Bernadette Owens decided to give Mr McDonagh an opportunity to make a €300 contribution to the court poor box and said if this was done she would strike out the matter before adjourning the case until September 9.