Man was ‘danger to himself’ on train station platform, court hears

Gardaí were called to Mullingar Train Station and forced to arrest a man who was found staggering and a “danger to himself”, a court has heard.

Stephen Kinsella, 2 Clay Terrace, Newmarket, Cork Street, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to public intoxication at Mullingar Train Station on October 16, 2024.

Sgt Orla Keenan said that shortly after 7pm gardaí received reports that a male and female were in a “highly intoxicated” state on the platform of the station.

She said the accused was in such a state of insobriety that gardaí had to assist him to the patrol car following his arrest.

Mr Kinsella, it was stated, had 46 previous convictions, the most recent in May of this year for an identical section 4 public order charge.

In defence, barrister Ross Nestor, BL, said his client was a 20-year-old man who, despite his tender years, had been “honest and frank” with gardaí in relation to the incident.

Mr Nestor said Mr Kinsella was in contact with the National Learning Network, who provide training courses across Ireland. He said it was a move that would give additional structure to Mr Kinsella in his attempts to steer clear of alcohol.

Mr Nestor said his client was someone who, while managing to remain sober for the last six months, was also doing his best to cope with a rare developmental disorder that can affect cognitive functioning. He asked the court, on that basis, to take note of Mr Kinsella’s early guilty plea.

Judge Bernadette Owens proceeded to fine the accused €100, giving him six months to pay.