Teen who handed over brother’s ID told to pay to court poor box

A teenager who handed over his brother’s identification during his arrest for a public order offence in Mullingar earlier this year will avoid a criminal conviction provided he makes a cash donation to the court poor box.

Mohammed Al Hassan (19) of Abbeylands, Mullingar, pleaded guilty to refusing to comply with the directions of gardaí following an incident on Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar on June 29 this year.

Sgt Sheila Kenny, for the state, said Al Hassan’s arrest arose when gardaí noticed a man loitering outside a takeaway.

The court heard how gardaí spoke to Hassan, who had been drinking, and was directed under Section 8 of the Public Order Act to leave the area.

Despite being informed of the possible penalties, Hassan refused to leave and was arrested, and taken to Mullingar Garda Station, where he was later charged.

Sgt Kenny said confusion over Al Hassan’s identity emerged when the accused provided an ID document relating to his brother.

Louis Kiernan, defending, said Al Hassan had been socialising that same evening with his brother and handed over his sibling’s details in error.

“He will say he gave his correct name but that he handed over his brother’s ID, which he had in his pocket,” said Mr Kiernan. “He went back to the station later that day when he noticed the charge had his brother’s name on it.”

Mr Kiernan asked the court to consider this was Al Hassan’s first experience of being inside a courtroom and the lack of aggression in the incident.

“He is 19 and never been in the court before,” said Mr Kiernan, adding how Al Hassan had only two weeks earlier taken up work as a labourer.

Judge Owens said Al Hassan deserved credit for his guilty plea and his actions in attempting to clear up any confusion concerning his identification.

That said, Judge Owens remanded him on bail to Mullingar District Court on December 4 for a €200 payment to the court poor box.