'Running out of road': Judge gives drunk and disorderly Longford defendant a final warning

A north Longford man, who appeared in court on a public order breach while a suspended prison sentence was hanging over him, has been warned by a judge he is 'running out of road'.

Gary Gilchriest of 7 Colmcille Terrace, Granard pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly at Barrack Street, Granard on January 3 last and on March 21, 2024.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the State, said Gardaí were alerted that a man was causing a disturbance in the area and he was arrested for his own safety.

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Sgt Mahon informed Judge Bernadette Owens Mr Gilchriest received a two year prison sentence, which was suspended for five years on January 15, 2019 and the most recent offence occurred within that timeframe.

The defendant had nine previous convictions.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, said his client had had a 'slip up' but he was now staying out of trouble.

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Judge Bernadette Owens noted Mr Gilchriest had stayed out of trouble for some time and the breach did not 'have any other serious charges allied with it'.

She imposed a two month prison sentence, which she suspended for 12-months and a €100 fine with six months to pay for the public order offence.

Judge Owens applied the probation act on another lesser charge as it would 'not trigger the suspended sentence'.

"Mr Gilchriest you have effectively ran out of road now, there will be no more chances."

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