Man told to give mother more money
A YOUNG Fermoy man, who was involved in an early morning fight in Fermoy town centre, was told by a judge to start giving his mother more money for his keep.
Danny Quirke, of 16 St Bernard's Place, Fermoy, appeared before Judge Michael Pattwell at Friday's sitting of Fermoy District Court. Inspector Tony O'Sullivan said Quirke was among a gang of ten people involved in an altercation on Pearse Square at approximately 2.30am on August 13 last.
He was arrested and charged under section four (being drunk in public) and section 6 (using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place) of the Public Order Act. The Inspector added that he was involved in a similar incident in the town two weeks previously for which he was convicted on a charge of obstructing a peace officer.
Pleading for leniency for her client, solicitor Eithne English said that Quirke was in receipt of €173 per week, €30 of which he gives to his mother.
"All the comforts of home for €30 per week, I wonder if there would be room for me," remarked the judge. The judge asked Quirke if he thought that having €143 per week to himself was fair, to which the defendant replied no. The judge then ordered that from now on he must give his mother €90 each week for his keep.
Ms English said that Quirke had been drinking in the local nightclub and was on his way to Supermacs when he came across a group of lads from Midleton.
"They started calling him names and unfortunately he became embroiled in a fight with them," she said.
The judge was appalled that Quirke should get involved in the incident.
"This happened just two weeks after a similar incident. That indicates a certain lawlessness to me," he said.
Judge Pattwell imposed a two-week suspended jail term and a €250 fine.
"I am not keen on giving suspended sentences to people who have been fighting in the street," said the judge.
"I won't put up with it," he warned Quirke.
