A MECHANIC who became abusive to gardaí and refused to leave when told to do so has been awarded the Probation Act. Conor Quinn, Willsgrove, Cahercalla, Ennis, County Clare, appeared before Judge Brian Joseph Sheridan at Swords District Court last week. Quinn pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place and failing to comply with garda directions.

Outlining the facts of the case, Sgt Paul Madden told the court the incident had occurred at 2.20am on the Malahide Road in Swords. 'He was approached by gardaí and used a tirade of abuse,' Sgt Madden said. 'He was told to leave the area in an orderly fashion.

'He then began acting in a threatening manner. He wouldn't comply with garda directions and he was arrested.' Sgt Madden said Quinn had previously received an Adult Caution for a public order offence in March of this year and had no convictions.

Defending the 24-yearold, solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said her 24-year-old client was a qualified mechanic whose hours had been cut and was 'struggling financially'.

'He 100% regrets the incident and he had too much to drink,' Ms D'Arcy explined.

Judge Sheridan noted Quinn had received a caution previously and awarded the Probation Act. 'I'm being very generous doing this,' he added.