This article is from page 16 of the 2012-10-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A SHANNON student has been told to be on his best behaviour over the coming months or face a “lengthy stretch” behind bars.
Mark Hayes (23), with an address at 106 Aidan Park, Shannon, received the warning at Ennis District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
The court heard that Mr Hayes was involved in an altercation near Supermacs in Shannon town centre on November 21 (2011).
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that Mr Hayes called another man a “poof” and grunted at him in an aggressive manner.
Solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court that Mr Hayes and his brother had been set upon by another group of people.
He said Mr Hayes appreciates that the attendance of the gardaí on the night prevented the situation from getting worse.
Mr Hassett told the court that Mr Hayes is a full time student and has been accepted at Limerick Institute of Technology.
He said his client had endured a difficult upbringing.
The court heard that Mr Hayes has previous convictions for public order offences and violent disorder.
Judge Patrick Durcan said, “Your client in terms of previous convic- tions deserves a lengthy stretch.”
However, he said that Mr Hayes also deserved a chance to show he can “mend his ways.”
Judge Durcan adjourned the case until November 14 for review.
He ordered that a full report regarding Mr Hayes’ attendance and progress be provided on that date by his school.
Addressing Mr Hayes, Judge Durcan said;
“When you leave this court, buy a mirror, look at yourself and ponder where you are going.
“Its up to you whether you want to go to prison.”
Judge Durcan said the report should issue from the school after November 7.