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.
