Gardaí getting complaints over family members in four caravans

Gardaí have been receiving complaints  over alleged incidents arising from people living in four caravans near Kilcock, Naas District Court heard.

Daniel O’Brien, 25, whose address was given as Knocknatulla, Kilcock, was before the court on an allegation of producing a shovel during the course of a dispute on September 27.

Garda Andrew Kelly told the court that numerous issues have arisen at the location due to intoxication.

He said the people living there are all members of the same family.

The defendant alleged that the gardaí are  “coming every night and making a laugh of us.”

He said his father had nearly died, was on life support and was lucky to have survived.

He also promised he would give up alcohol as said he would take a bible in his hand as he did so.

The defendant also apologised. 

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Gda Kelly said that apologies “don’t really work at this stage” and he added there was a level of aggression when the incident “kicked off.”

Judge Desmond Zaidan told the defendant that the gardaí only respond as they did in this case  because of complaints being made. 

“That is the function of the gardaí," he said.

Defending solicitor David Powderly said the defendant is not allowed into shops in the area because of transgressions.

Judge Zaidan commented that the alcohol problem in this case had been passed on through generations.

Imposing a €200 fine he told the defendant “that’s €200 less you have to spend on alcohol.”