A woman became abusive to Gardaí in Waterford Garda Station and was arrested when she refused to leave, the District Court heard.
Isabella Cummins (24) of Ballinaboola, Halfway House, Waterford, appeared at a sitting of Waterford District Court this month before Judge Kevin Staunton. She pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a direction from Gardaí and abusive behaviour in public, contrary to Sections 8 and 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. This related to an incident that occurred at the end of February.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on Thursday, 26 February last, the accused entered Waterford Garda Station for another matter and became abusive to Gardaí and others while she was there. The Sergeant said the accused was given the direction to leave, and was subsequently arrested and charged after she refused. It was noted that she has no previous convictions.
Acting for the accused, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said that his client has never been in trouble before, and is currently working with her father. Mr Delahunty told Judge Staunton that the accused has ‘issues’ in her life, but indicated that he would not go into them.
The solicitor also highlighted that the incident didn’t occur in the “early hours after a night out” but that his client went into the Garda Station in the early evening.
He said she pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. Mr Delahunty concluded by asking the Judge if the accused could avoid a conviction.
Judge Staunton said he was ‘worried’ that the accused has issues that need to be attended to.
The Judge decided to give the accused a chance. He put the matter back to 9 March, 2027 for review, indicating that she would have to make a €500 donation to the court poor box by then and not come to any further Garda attention.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
