A man who it is alleged was in possession of an offensive weapon during an altercation in a city Chinese restaurant was granted bail, despite strenuous objections from Gardaí when he appeared before Galway District Court.
Judge Fiona Lydon heard that when Gardaí attended the incident they were told that the defendant had spat at members of staff. When he was searched, the Gardaí found he was in possession of a screwdriver and could not provide a reason for having it in his possession.
He was charged under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Acts. Judge Lydon noted that a conviction for possession of an offensive weapon carried a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment. The defendant faces additional charges arising out of the incident.
Francis Sweeney of 19, Liam Mellows Terrace, Bohermore, Galway, the Court was told, has 98 previous convictions and 22 of these offences were committed while he was out on bail.
For this reason Gardaí strenuously objected to Sweeney being released on bail and asked that he be remanded in custody. They said they believed Sweeney would continue to offend if given bail. A Garda Sgt told the Court that he was not happy with bail under any conditions
Defence solr. Sean Acton pleaded that his client had not produced the screwdriver during the alleged altercation and that he had no previous weapons convictions. This was agreed by the Gardaí.
Mr Acton agreed his client had a poor history but felt it would be more appropriate to allow his client live at home under strict signing-on conditions. He added that he had lived in Bohermore all his life and would reside there while on bail.
Judge Lydon said she was inclined to agree with the defence but she warned Sweeney that he would be in great difficulty if he appeared before the Court again while on bail.
The Gardaí set bail conditions which included a bond of €500, a curfew between 10pm and 7am and signing on at Millstreet Garda Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; to be of sober disposition and stay away from the premises where the altercation is alleged to have taken place.
Under these conditions the defendant was remanded on bail until the October 20 sitting of the Court.
