Defendants opt for prison time over fine

Two men have opted to spend two months in jail rather than coming up with €500 apiece following their involvement in a disturbance in Tuam.

Judge James Faughnan heard that brothers Jonathon and Patrick Ward from Tuam were in a drunken state and causing a disturbance while also being abusive to the Gardaí.

When he was told by their solicitor that neither man was employed, he asked where they were getting the money for drink.

Judge Faughnan said that if they had money for drink, then they could come up with €500 each or else serve a term in prison.

Evidence was given by Garda Michelle Hallinan that she went to the scene of an incident at Dublin Road in Tuam where there were a number of people causing a disturbance.

She said that Patrick Ward was roaring and shouting and refused to calm down. He told the Garda to “f**k off” and continued shouting abuse.

The Garda added that Jonathon Ward had initially refused to give his name and said that he was screaming at her. She said even his father, who arrived on the scene, couldn’t calm him down.

Eventually Garda Hallinan had to get assistance to control the situation as both men were extremely drunk and abusive.

Defending solicitor Michael McDarby said that both men had too much drink taken on the occasion and regretted their actions.

Judge Faughnan asked if they were working and when told they weren’t he remarked, “They have money for drink and stand up to the guards, so they can come up with money for the court.”

He told them to come up with €500 each or face a term in prison. Later in the court they indicated that they would not be coming up with the money and opted for jail instead.

Both men were then escorted from the court in handcuffs by prison officers and taken to Castlerea Prison where they will serve two months.

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