Longford man who was abusive to takeaway staff ordered to make charity donation

A defendant who entered a kebab shop and became highly abusive to staff has been ordered to make a charity contribution.

Sean Lennon of 27 Millrace Park, Drumlish pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to criminal damage and two public order breaches on September 6 last.

Garda Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said the defendant went into Zam Zam, a takeaway shop on Earl Street, Townparks, Longford at 11pm on the night in question where he caused a disturbance.

Gardaí subsequently received a report that a man had entered the premises and he had become abusive to staff.

"During the course of this dispute they had an altercation and he became aggressive and he broke a Covid screen."

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Sgt Mahon said the estimated cost of the damage to the Covid screen was €50.

Gardaí attended the scene where they spoke to Mr Lennon who was highly intoxicated.

Mr Lennon also pleaded guilty to  being drunk and disorderly and failing to comply with a garda direction to leave the Earl Street area on the night in question.

The defendant had five previous convictions.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client is a father of two young children aged two and three and this behaviour was completely at odds with his usual personality and manner.

The legal representative said Mr Lennon deeply regretted the incident.

"He was completely apologetic in the garda station and it was simply out of character.

"Whatever money is needed he will go and get it immediately.

"He is from a very decent family, I know him extremely well." 

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Judge Bernadette Owens decided to give Mr Lennon an opportunity to pay €300 to the court poor box and avoid a conviction.

Mr Lennon  collected the money a short time later and it was handed into court.