A man who shouted and cursed at Gardaí for “no reason” while out in Waterford was recently given the benefit of the Probation Act.
Mark Hurley (31) of 3 Dunmanus Crescent, Knocknaheeney, Cork, appeared at Waterford District Court last week via video link from Cork Prison, where he is on remand for a different matter. He pleaded guilty to a charge of abusive behaviour in public, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice ( Public Order) Act, 1994.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on 15 December, 2025, as Gardaí were attending Treacy’s Hotel, Waterford for an unrelated incident, a man, who was identified as the accused, began to shout at them for “no reason”.
Sergeant Phelan added that the accused also cursed at Garda members during the incident.
Judge Kevin Staunton said that “given the overall picture” as the accused is in custody for a separate matter, he would apply Section 1 (1) of the Probation Act.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
