Brawling twins and a Christmas Day accordion theft: Tralee District Court resumes
The KerrymanA busker’s stolen accordion and a pair of fighting twins, brought to court by their widowed mother, were on the long list before Judge David Waters at latest sitting of Tralee District Court.
John O’Leary (35) of Arlington Lodge, Tralee, was fined €300 for having €20 worth of cannabis. He had 92 priors but none for drug possession. Justin Hogan (36) of Old Marian Park, Tralee, was ordered to donate €200 to the Cuan Mhuire rehabilitation centre for possession of €100 worth of cannabis. The charge will be struck out if paid.
Michael O’Brien (57) of An Fearann, Ardfert, was fined €250 for intoxication to an extent he could endanger himself or others after he was found “falling in and off the road” on Bridge Street, Tralee on December 20. Two other public order charges, from November 19 and 28, were taken into consideration.
Adrian Plachetko (40) of Urban Terrace, Tralee, was charged with the theft of an accordion on Christmas Day. The court heard that a busking musician in Tralee “placed down his accordion and when he went to retrieve it, it was gone”. An operation “was put into play” by An Garda Síochána to recover the instrument. Mr Plachetko was remanded on bail until February 4. Twins James O’Brien and Robert O’Brien (36) of An Caisleán Mor, Castleisland appeared in court for threatening or abusive language on April 27 after they were found fighting with each other at the green near their home. “That’s not the kind of thing that people in Castleisland want to live around,” said the judge.
Robert O’Brien was also charged for public intoxication to an extent he could endanger himself or others. Their widowed mother sat in the gallery flanked by her sons. “Their mother is in today, she ensured they came before the courts,” said solicitor Pat Mann. “The problem is when they go drinking, they fight amongst themselves.”
James O’Brien had 46 previous convictions, including 13 for public intoxication and 15 for abusive language. Robert had 34 previous convictions, including six for public intoxication and 12 for abusive language. The latest was from October 2024, for which he received a three-month suspended sentence.
The case was adjourned to February 4 to determine their suitability for community service.
Emmet Coffey (50) of Fountain Court, Tralee, received a two-month suspended sentence for threatening or abusive language on October 24 after an encounter with gardaí. He had 74 previous convictions but only one for abusive language.
His solicitor, Padraig O’Connell, said gardaí would accept that his client is usually very polite to them. “He does admit that he was intemperate with his language, judge,” said the solicitor. He asked the judge to give his client “one final chance”.
The judge warned if Mr Coffey returned before him for a similar charge, he would unsuspend the sentence and face back-to-back prison sentences.