Judge to keep eye on man involved in Longford hostel row

A court has heard how a Longford man became abusive to gardaí during a heated row with another man outside a homeless hostel.

Gary Gilchriest (52), St Martha's Hostel, Dublin Road, Longford pleaded guilty at a sitting of Longford District Court last week to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the same address on November 19, 2022.

He was also charged with being found intoxicated in public.
Sgt Mark Mahon, court presenter on behalf of the prosecution, said gardaí had been called to the property during the early hours of the morning amid reports that two men were embroiled in an argument.

He said when gardaí arrived they spoke to both men before later arresting Mr Gilchriest.
It was alleged Mr Gilchriest was both “highly intoxicated” and abusive with gardaí ultimately arresting the accused for his own safety and the safety of others who were in the vicinity.
The court also heard Mr Gilchriest had five previous convictions, four of which were for public order.
The last of those, it was confirmed, arrived in January 2020 for a similar type public intoxication offence.

Mr Gilchriest, who was represented by defence solicitor John Quinn, stood with his hands clasped behind his back as details of the case were read out into open court.
“He was off his medication and is now back on it,” said Mr Quinn.
“He does apologise profusely. It was an argument outside the hostel, he was abusive and he is very sorry about that.”

Mr Quinn said his client was adamant about changing his ways, adding: “It won't happen again.”
Listening on, Judge Bernadette Owens said she was reluctant to finalise the case at present and was more inclined to adjourn affairs in order to ensure Mr Gilchriest lived up to his word.
She subsequently remanded Mr Gilchriest on continuing bail and adjourned the case to a sitting of Longford District Court on July 18, 2023.