A Waterford man recently appeared in court for sticking his middle finger up at Gardaí.
Derek Cliffe (43) of 44 Radharc na Siuire, Ballygunner, Waterford, appeared before Judge Darach McCarthy at a sitting of Waterford District Court this month.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in abusive/threatening behaviour in public, contrary to Section 6 of Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
Inspector Joe O’Neill told the court that on 1 May 2026, Gardaí were on patrol in the Dunmore Road area when they encountered the accused. He stuck his middle finger up at Garda officers, and became unco-operative and verbally abusive when they approached him, Insp. O’Neill said.
It was noted in court that he has seven previous convictions for unrelated matters.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said his client is a ‘hardworking’ man and apologises for the incident. Mr. Delahunty added that the accused thought Gardaí “took an interest” in him on the day, and he ‘bizarrely’ ended up doing what he did.
The solicitor emphasised that the accused has come to no further Garda attention since this incident.
Judge McCarthy took the accused’s guilty plea into account, and told the accused if he ever has the ‘mistaken’ belief that Gardaí have “taken an interest” in him ever again, he “should keep it to himself.”
The judge invited the accused to make a €100 donation to the court poor box, indicating that the matter will be struck out if this is completed before next Thursday 25 June.
As the accused left the courtroom, Judge McCarthy added: “I wish you the best.”
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
