€400 fine for man carrying a knife while out socialising

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Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 24 January 2007

An 18-year-old Galway City man, who produced a Stanley knife during a New Year's Eve verbal altercation with his girlfriend, was remanded on continuing bail for a Garda Behaviour Report to 14 May next.

Gareth Davis, with an address at 19 Dun Na Coirbe, Headford Road, was remanded for making gestures to slit his throat in the course of a dispute and producing a Stanley knife capable of inflicting serious injury, in a manner likely to intimidate at Shop Street, Galway, on 1 January last.

He was also fined €400 for having with him a knife, which had a blade or which was sharply pointed, and €100 for being intoxicated on the same occasion. A charge of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour was withdrawn by the State. The defendant pleaded guilty to the offences.

Garda O'Shea told the court that he was on mobile patrol when he saw the defendant having a verbal confrontation with his girlfriend. He produced a Stanley knife. The Garda stopped him and took the knife off him.

Ms Lucy Tynan, solicitor, said her client was out with his girlfriend. They had a row and Mr Davis left the premises they were in. Ms Tynan came out after him and accused him of something. Mr Davis carries the knife in the course of his employment, she said.

Judge Mary Fahy commented, "He is not entitled to carry a Stanley knife when out socialising. This wasn't a work situation on New Year's Eve in the middle of Shop Street. It's very serious to be caught in possession of a knife."

Ms Tynan noted that it was "an act of gross stupidity". Judge Fahy added that the knife should be left at work. The defence solicitor said that her client had been going out with his girlfriend for seven months. He has no previous convictions and had co-operated with Gardaí.

Judge Fahy remarked that Garda O'Shea was to be commended for his quick actions. She said that with alcohol and a knife involved, the consequences could be more serious.

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