Drunk man who threatened to slap 'foreign' Garda avoids jail

Tom Tuite

A Dublin father, who got drunk at a christening before he verbally abused and threatened to slap a “foreign” garda, has avoided jail.

Peter McDonagh, 36, of St Margaret’s Park, Ballymun, D11, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a garda’s direction under the Public Order Act.

Dublin District Court heard that a taxi driver put him out of his cab over an alleged “racist remark” on October 28th at Ballymun Road.

A garda cautioned him to leave the area peacefully, but the married father of five replied: “F**k off, I’ll slap you, you foreign c***”.

The court heard he had prior convictions for non-payment of a taxi fare, driving without insurance, and unlawfully entering a building.

However, there had been a six-year gap since his last offence.

McDonagh accepted his guilt, was remorseful, and offered an apology via his solicitor.

The court heard he had a drink problem, which he “hit on the head”, but on the date of the offence, he went to a christening and had too much to drink.

Judge Kelly said it was “no excuse” and he needed to respect the guards whether he was drunk; however, she noted he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and took responsibility for his actions.

She convicted him and fined him €300 with three months to pay.