Man with over 300 convictions in court for verbal abuse of garda in Letterkenny

A probation report has been sought in the case of a man with over 300 convictions who has been charged with a public order offence in Letterkenny.

Stephen Crerand appeared before Letterkenny District Court in connection with an incident on February 7, 2024.

Inspector Tony Byrne told the court that Garda Saba was on patrol at Pearse Road, Letterkenny, when Crerand, who was a front seat passenger in a vehicle, became abusive.

Crerand was using abusive language towards Garda Saba and he was arrested and conveyed to Letterkenny Garda Station.

Crerand, a 40-year-old with an address at Tievedeevan, Cloghan, was charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.

The charge is contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

Inspector Byrne said the bulk of Crerand's convictions were for road traffic offences and his last conviction in this jurisdiction was in July, 2018.

Mr Donough Cleary, solicitor for Crerand, said his client had a significant drug addiction and has been under the care of a doctor for the last 18 months.

“His presentation has vastly improved in that period,” Mr Cleary said.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham directed that a probation and welfare report be prepared and remanded Crerand on bail to appear again at Letterkenny District Court on March 24, 2025.