Man stuck middle finger up at gardaí, Dundalk court heard

A 38 year old man who stuck his middle finger up as the car he was a passenger in passed gardaí in Carlingord, 'didn't mean to offend' his solicitor told Dundalk District Court last week.

Emmet Grogan of Mountain View, Point Road, Dundalk was prosecuted for being intoxicated in a public place and using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Clós na Manach on April 16th last year.

The court heard the defendant, who was the front seat passenger in the vehicle, had 25 previous convictions although his solicitor stressed that he has not been in trouble for 10 years.

He said "he didn't mean to offend" and added "It was a silly and immature joke with his girlfriend who was driving".

The solicitor explained that Mr. Grogan would usually work in security and if he has another conviction he won't be able to renew his licence.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan replied "He actually thought this was funny" when the evidence was being given.

The case was put back to later in the list so the 38 year old's suitability to perform community service could be assessed.
When it was confirmed he was a suitable candidate Judge McKiernan said his behaviour in court "didn't do him any favours".

The judge imposed 100 hours community service in lieu of a two month sentence.