Drunk and abusive Mayo man removed from bus by fellow passengers

A BALLINROBE man who was drunk and abusive on a Bus Éireann bus from Galway to Mayo was eventually removed from the bus by angry passengers.

Cathal Jennings of 19 An Cladrach, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe appeared before Castlebar District Court where he pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words and intoxication in a public place on January 15 last.

The court heard that the 30 year old was drunk on the Bus Éireann bus from Galway when he became abusive to fellow passengers and the female bus drivers at Cloonboo at around 7.53pm.

Judge Vincent Deane was informed that the driver stopped the bus at Headford and requested garda assistance but none was available. The bus was stationary at Headford for 45 minutes before it continued on its journey after Mr Jennings fell asleep.

When the bus eventually arrived in Ballinrobe, he was removed by fellow passengers but he attempted to fight with the passengers. The altercation continued onto Abbey Street when gardaí arrived.

Court presenter, Sergeant Conor McShane said the passengers on the bus were annoyed with the conduct of Mr Jennings who he said continued to be aggressive. Gardaí had to restrain Mr Jennings before he was arrested but Sgt McShane said he continued to be aggressive to gardaí.

The court was told that when Mr Jennings did sober up he wrote a letter to gardaí to apologise for his behaviour.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for Mr Jennings said the facts of the case speak for themselves and that his client was very drunk on the night.

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The court was that Mr Jennings is a PLC student studying Emergency Care Services with the hope of becoming a paramedic.

Mr Jennings told the court that he had been drinking in a pub in Galway and went into an off licence where he bought a bottle but did not remember anything from being on the bus. He said he was sorry for his behaviour and wished to apologise to the bus driver and the passengers.

Mr Jennings has no previous convictions but told the court that he normally does not drink and this was a relapse for him. He said he has not drank since and is attending AA meetings.

Mr Mulchrone said this was an unusual case as Mr Jennings has no history of this type of behaviour before but he now has to face up to what he did and needs help.

Judge Deane adjourned sentencing until April 14 for the preparation of a probation report.