Longford man drove off without paying for petrol

A young man before Longford District Court will be assessed by probation services before his case returns before Judge Bernadette Owens in May. Justin McCleary (20) of Lacken, Edgeworthstown, faced six charges.

The defendant is accused of driving off without paying for petrol on June 25, 2022, two public order offences in Ballymahon on August 31, 2022, two counts of trespass on September 25 and 28 and of allowing himself to be carried in a vehicle used without the consent of the owner on october 13, 2022.

Sergeant Mark Mahon outlined details of two of the incidents that brought Mr McCleary before the court. Sgt Mahon said on Wednesday, August 31 at 7:45 at Main Street, Ballymahon Gardaí received a call regarding an incident with two men on a bus. Justin McCleary was one of two intoxicated men refusing to get off a bus. The court heard the men had a lot of alcohol. When officers tried to get the men off the bus they became argumentative and were arrested.

In another incident it is alleged that on May 25, 2022 at 9:45 am the defendant drove a car into Hanlons Gala service station on the Dublin Road, Longford and filled up with petrol to the value of €60 then drove off,
In an interview Mr McCleary made full admissions. Sgt Mahon said the defendant has 35 previous convictions the last one from November 21 was for robbery when the defendant entered a probation bond as part of his sentencing.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh pointed out that many of her client's offences were accumulated when he was a juvenile. The defendant is the father of two children and although he is on social welfare at the moment he is waiting for a placement for an education course.

Ms Mimnagh said her client would be happy to engage with probation services if the judge was of a mind to make such an order. She said Mr McCleary was very apologetic and accepted responsibility for his behaviour.
Ms Mimnagh said the defendant has previously engaged with probation services and has addressed his drinking. The legal representative said her client has other matters before the court.

Judge Owens directed that a probation report be compiled and adjourned the matter to April 18, 2023.