Longford judge imposes €200 fine for abusing bus driver

A young man who became abusive to a bus driver while drunk was fined €200 at Longford District Court. Nathan Killian (22) of Cleggarnagh, Rathconrath, Westmeath pleaded guilty to a charge of being present in a public place intoxicated to such an extent he presented a danger to himself or others and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on August 31, 2022 at Main Street, Ballymahon.

On the date Longford Garda Station received a call regarding an incident on a Bus Éireann bus. The defendant was intoxicated and carrying alcohol on the bus. When the driver asked Mr Killian to get off the bus he refused and became aggressive. Mr Killian was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station.

Inspector Paddy McGirl told Judge Bernadette Owens that the defendant has not come to garda attention since the incident. The inspector said the bus driver did not want to make a victim impact statement.

Solicitor Patrick Carthy said his client had caused his family a good deal of difficulty. Mr Carthy explained that Mr Killian is of limited means and asked the court to be as lenient as possible. The solicitor said although the defendant has no previous convictions he has a matter pending in the Circuit Court in Mullingar.

Mr Carthy pointed out his client is on disability, but is participating in a welding course.
Judge Bernadette Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €200 with five months to pay.