Man who was abusive towards Gardaí fined at Longford district court

A drunk and abusive county Longford man who was arrested after he told Gardaí to 'f**k off' has been convicted and fined.

Anthony Mannion of Clygeen, Legan pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to two public order breaches at Rath Reagh, Smithfield, Legan on May 16, 2025.

The defendant was charged with section 4 of the Public Order Act namely being intoxicated to such an extent as would give rise to a reasonable apprehension that he might endanger himself or others.

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He also admitted breaching section 6 using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí received a call at 1.40am from a woman who stated her ex-partner was banging on the door and looking to enter the residence.

"She required assistance and she stated her two children were inside the property and she was in fear of the defendant.

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"The Gardaí arrived at the estate and the defendant was observed walking away from an address onto the footpath," he added.

Sgt Daly said Garda Padraig Shanley approached Mr Mannion, who was known to him, and he was highly intoxicated, his speech was slurred and he was very unsteady on his feet.

"He told Gardaí to f**k off and he was subsequently arrested," he added.

Mr Mannion had 14 previous convictions with the most recent being imposed in 2018.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client is 'separated' from the complainant and she claimed he was returning to the house he moved out of three weeks earlier to get clothes.

Judge Deirdre Gearty asked what ages the children are and Ms Mimnagh replied and informed her they are aged 16 and 10 before giving an overview of the mitigation.

"The first thing he said to me this morning was that he wanted to apologise.

"He does not recall conversing with the Garda, that is the only thing, I think he was cooperative with Garda Shanley afterwards."

Judge Gearty said it did not sound great and the Gardaí "might differ on that", but she noted Garda Shanley was not present.

She asked what the defendant did for a living and Ms Mimnagh stated he was on a Tús scheme -a community work placement scheme for unemployed people, which is run by the Department of Social Protection.

Judge Gearty imposed a fine of €200 with five months to pay.