A Waterford man charged with a public order offence who “didn’t think he did a lot wrong” was recently given the chance to avoid a conviction.
Gareth Cleere (45) of 3 Caherhane House, Ballytruckle, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a sitting of Waterford District Court in February, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening/abusive behaviour in public, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that after 9.30pm on 13 December 2025, Gardaí were on patrol at John Street, Waterford, when they encountered the accused. Sgt. Phelan said that he started using ‘abusive’ names towards Gardaí, and resisted when they attempted to arrest him. It was noted that the accused has two relevant previous convictions that date back almost 20 years.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said that his client was ‘puzzled’ by the claim that he used ‘abusive’ names, and “didn’t think he did a lot wrong.” The solicitor said the accused “doesn’t want to be someone abusing Guards” and highlighting that he was a “ much younger man” at the time of his previous convictions.
Judge Staunton acknowledged the fact that the accused has had no convictions in almost 20 years, and invited him to make a €500 donation to the court poor box. The Judge indicated the matter will be struck out if this is completed before 9 June, 2026.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
