'Rudderless' man abusive to public and Gardai in Lifford

A 'rudderless' man was arrested when he told Gardai to 'f*** off' after threatening people on the street in Lifford.

Gardai responded to a report of an incident in Lifford on November 11, 2022.

Gardai observed Tristan McAteer run into a takeaway and approached him. McAteer was extremely intoxicated and told Gardai to 'fuck off' and was subsequently arrested.

McAteer was charged with being intoxicated in a public place and with using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at Bridge Street, Lifford.

McAteer, aged 24 and with an address at Market Square, Castlefin.

Sergeant Gerard Dalton said McAteer 'has a lot of previous', including for disorderly behaviour, assault, assault causing harm, criminal damage, public order, possession of an article and possession of a knife.

Solicitor for McAteer, Mr Frank Dorrian, said his client's life had been 'blighted by alcohol and substance abuse'.

“He has been in and out of the criminal justice system on a number of occasions,” Mr Dorrian said.

“His upbringing was difficult and his behaviour erratic. His grasp of the realities of life were affected.”

Mr Dorrian submitted a letter in which McAteer issued a 'sincere apology'.

McAteer said he was 'very ashamed and remorseful'.

Mr Dorrian said McAteer was 'a young man who has come a long way'.

“He was rudderless and got into every conceivable trouble,” Mr Dorrian said.

Mr Dorrian asked the court to consider McAteer's apology and promise not to commit another offence.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she 'acknowledged the fact that he has come a long way'.

Judge Cunningham sought the preparation of a probation and welfare report, to include suitability for community service, and adjourned the case to April 24.