1996/99
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Men searching for mobile phone ended up throwing punches at each other
6 May 1998
Two men who assaulted each other after being warned by Gardai in Ballina to move on and go home had charges against them adjourned at the local court.
Appearing before Judge Dan Shields on public order and assault charges were Bernard Long, 12 Ferran Terrace, Ballina, and Jason Wilson, 15 Lord Edward Street, Ballina.
On April 5 at 2.45a.m. the defendants were seen throwing punches at each other and were given a warning by Gardai, Sergeant Danny Gallagher told the court. Wilson was bleeding and was taken to Ballina Garda Station where he was cleaned up.
At 3.05a.m. on Pearse Street Wilson had complained his mobile phone was lost and when Long came along they went to look for it. Gardai found them outside Supermac's throwing punches and kicks at each other.
They had apologised for their behaviour.
Inspector Michael Hussey told the court this type of behaviour was "totally unacceptable". After being warned initially they were still found fighting in the middle of town and he would ask the court to take a serious view of this.
No one else was involved in the incident.
Judge Shields said the defendants had gathered an audience around them and disturbed the peace of the town which was always a dangerous situation at that time of night. Public order was a very serious matter.
He adjourned the charges against Wilson until May 26 for a probation report. Long was remanded on continuing bail to appear in Crossmolina court on July 2 where he is due to appear on other matters. Both parties could consider themselves bound to the peace.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - May 1998
