Given two months for abusing gardaí
Judge Geraldine Carthy
A GRAIGUECULLEN man who used foul language towards gardaí while intoxicated at a pub in Carlow was sentenced to two months in prison at a sitting of Carlow District Court last week.
Colvin O’Brien, Heather Mills Mews, Graiguecullen, appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy on charges under Section 4 and Section 6 of the Public Order Act.
The court heard that on 18 September 2024 gardaí were called to an incident at Haymarket, Carlow town, following reports of a male causing a nuisance at Ewing’s Bar.
When gardaí arrived at the scene, Mr O’Brien (31) had left the area; however, he returned later that evening and a further report was made to gardaí that he was visibly drunk and causing further nuisance.
When gardaí arrived at the scene the second time, Mr O’Brien, who has no previous convictions but is due in front of Carlow Circuit Court at a later date on separate charges, used foul language towards a garda, which could be heard by members of the public. He was subsequently arrested and brought to Carlow Garda Station.
Eamonn O’Moore BL told the court that Mr O’Brien apologised for his actions and recognise that guards have a very difficult job.
Mr O’Moore continued that, on the day in question, Mr O’Brien visited the grave of a loved one which was a factor in him acting that way.
The court heard that Mr O’Brien, who is a six-time Irish champion in disability snooker, does a lot of voluntary work through the sport and recently obtained his coaching licence through Snooker Ireland.
Judge Geraldine Carthy said that she took into account the mitigation but noted that Mr O’Brien’s charge sheet, along with his failure to show up to court on 16 October 2025, which prompted a bench warrant to be issued, were aggravating factors and, as a result, she could not accept his apology.
“If what Mr O’Moore said was true, he would have shown up to court on the day he was called,” Judge Carthy said.
She then convicted and sentenced Mr O’Brien to two months in prison for the section 6 public order offence for using foul language towards the gardaí and took into consideration the section 4 public order offence.
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