Convict comes to aid of 'lady in distress'
Wednesday March 10 2010
A CONVICTED drug dealer from Moyross in Limerick who went to 'the assistance of a lady in distress' as she was being arrested was given a one month prison sentence by Judge Mary O'Halloran at Listowel District Court on Wednesday for obstructing gardaí.
Mark O'Donoghue, 88 Delmege Park, Moyross, Limerick, was charged with obstructing gardaí, failing to comply with the directions of gardaí, being intoxicated in public to the extent of being a danger to himself and to others and with acting in a threatening and abusive manner; all arising from his actions at Cliff Road, Ballybunion, on July 13 of 2008.
Mr O'Donoghue, who is serving a three-year jail sentence for the sale and supply of drugs, appeared in custody before the court where he pleaded guilty to all charges.
The court heard that gardaí were dealing with an incident involving a friend of the defendant's at 3.10am on the date, when the defendant approached and became abusive to gardaí. He refused to leave the scene and gardaí arrested him.
Solicitor Robert Lee said his client had been 'quite intoxicated'. "He mentioned that he wouldn't be the first man in the world to come to the assistance of a lady in distress. Unfortunately, he didn't realise it was the gardaí who were dealing with her. He is anxious to put this unsavoury incident behind him and he is quite upset with himself that he got into this scene with gardaí," Mr Lee added.
The court heard Mr O'Donoghue is currently serving a three-year prison sentence imposed at Limerick Circuit Court on May 8 of last year for the possession of drugs for the purposes of sale and supply contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Judge O'Halloran imposed a one month sentence concurrent to his present term on the charge of obstructing gardaí and he was fined €100 for each of the three remaining charges. Legal aid was granted his defence in the case.
