Man became aggressive during Garda search
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A man became aggressive when searched by Gardaí, a court has heard.
Patryk Zdunek, aged 33, of Rathbawn Road, Castlebar, pleaded guilty at the local district court to two breaches of the Public Order Act.
Gda Sgt John O’Reilly informed the court that a colleague had been on patrol at the Rathbawn Road at about 4pm on November 14, 2025, when he stopped and searched Zdunek, who became aggressive and was arrested.
Judge Sandra Murphy sought clarification on the nature of the offence and was told it consisted mainly of verbal abuse and profanities. While the abuse was not severe, the situation escalated to the point where handcuffs had to be used.
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client is originally from Poland and has been living in Ireland for 16 years. He engages in "hard and demanding labour" in the sea fishing industry, with employment dependent on weather conditions.
Mr Mulchrone said that while Zdunek has previous convictions, including one for assault causing harm, the suspended jail term imposed in that matter had expired approximately seven months before this latest incident.
“He is a hard-working man,” Mr Mulchrone said, adding that when onshore, his client can overindulge in alcohol consumption. The solicitor acknowledged that there had been previous interactions with gardaí but said his client would be willing to engage with the Probation Service.
Judge Murphy said intoxication was a serious concern and warned the accused of the gravity of the situation.
“This has brought you into serious criminality,” she said, adding that being at sea would not be accepted as an excuse if engagement with Probation Service was required. She also warned that the matter could result in a custodial sentence if not addressed. The case was adjourned to April 1 for a probation report.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
