Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 5:00pm

Virginia court briefs

Defendant gave garda the finger

A Bailieboro man who gave the "finger" to a garda who was on duty was fined a total of €900 when appeared before Virginia District Court charged with public order offences.

Glen Campbell, Main Street, Bailieboro, was fined €500 for failing to give a garda his name and address and €400 for failing to obey a garda direction at Main Street, Bailieboro, on January 24.

A charge of using or engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour on the same occasion was adjourned until October 1 and, if suitable, the defendant was to work 100 hours of community service in lieu of three months. He had three previous convictions.

Garda John Crawford said he and a colleague were on duty when a car drove by and one of the passenger's gave them the "finger". They stopped the car and the defendant got out and was very intoxicated. He was abusive and was told to leave the area but refused to do so. When asked for his name and address he also refused to give it.

Caught on CCTV

A young Bailieboro man who was caught on CCTV damaging a patrol car during the early hours of the morning has been ordered to complete a community service order.

William McCullagh, Carnalynch, Bailieboro, appeared before Virginia District Court charged with damaging the patrol car on December 19, 2009, at Barrack Street, Bailieboro.

Inspector Seamus Boyle said the patrol car was parked along the street and CCTV clearly showed the defendant walking past the car and then kicking the wing mirror. He then grabbed it and pulled the mirror off. The total cost of the damage was €141.

Martin Cosgrove, solicitor defending, said his client had €150 by way of compensation for the damage in court. On the occasion the defendant was very drunk and didn't realise he had caused the damage. It was only when he saw the CCTV footage did he know he caused the damage.

Judge Sean MacBride ordered the defendant to complete 100 hours in lieu of two months.

Cannabis dealer jailed

A Virginia man who had cannabis for sale or supply was handed a six month suspended sentence and fined €500 when he appeared at the local district court. Damien Fox, 20 Forest Park, was charged with the offence at 20 Forest Park on July 7, 2009. A charge of having the drug in his possession was proven but taken into account.