A man found stripped to the waist and in an agitated condition was not in conflict with anybody but himself.
This was the unusual scenario outlined to Judge Valerie Corcoran at Galway District Court when defendant Thomas Lawrence appeared before her on public order charges. A charge of being drunk in public was withdrawn by the prosecution and the defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.
Gardaí found Lawrence outside the graveyard at Bohermore on New Year’s Eve, 2024. He was in the middle of the road with his top off, shouting and roaring, and was arrested.
The defendant had 23 previous convictions, including ones for drug offences, criminal damage and public order offences.
Olivia Traynor solicitor (defending ) confirmed that the only person outside the graveyard when they arrived was her client and he was not engaged with anybody but himself.
She said it was unusual that he had his top off and was in an agitated and aggressive condition while he was totally alone.
Judge Corcoran thought community service might be the best way to deal with the charge and the defence agreed, stating that it might focus him.
The Judge adjourned sentencing until June to see if he was a suitable candidate for community service and if he was she would order 100 hours in lieu of two months in prison.
