Defendant found with drugs after Galway street row
A man observed verbally abusing a homeless man in Eyre Square before being caught in possession of cocaine has received a three-month suspended sentence.
Thomas Flannagan (46), with an address at Teach Mór, Indreabhán, pleaded guilty at Galway District Court to possession of drugs contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He also admitted engaging in behaviour or using words with intention to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned, contrary to Section 6 of the Public Order Act.
Outlining the facts of the case to the court, Inspector Darragh Browne said that around 9.40pm on December 9, 2025, a Garda observed the defendant shouting verbal abuse at a homeless man in Eyre Square.
The court heard Flannagan "turned his aggression" on the Garda and was arrested and searched and cocaine worth €44 was found on his person.
Inspector Browne said the accused has a previous conviction for drug possession and for public order offences.
Defence solicitor, Brian Gilmartin, told the court his instructions are that his client was minding his own business when he was followed by the other person mentioned by the State.
Mr Gilmartin said an argument ensued and his client apologises for what happened.
Judge John King said the difficulty for the accused is his previous record, but the court also took into account the guilty plea.
Funded by Courts Reporting Scheme.