Killarney Court round-up: Man with 579 convictions leads busy day of cases
The KerrymanA man with 579 previous convictions, a man who passed out on a Muckross Road wall and a Saint Patrick’s Day agitator were amongst those who appeared before Judge David Waters at the recent sitting of Killarney District Court.
Richard O’Brien (54) of Pinewood Estate, Killarney was fined €300 after he was found passed out on February 25. The court heard he had 579 previous convictions. “That’s definitely a record,” said the judge.
“It’s growing,” replied Detective Sergeant Stephen O’Brien.
Derek Prendergast (58) of 13 Cois Gallain, Killorglin was fined €250 for intoxication to an extent that he could endanger himself or others. He was found just after midnight, asleep on the ground of Main Street, Killarney on July 28 and then was abusive to the garda who woke him. He phoned the garda station the following morning to apologise, the court heard.
Shane Howe (37) of Keel, Castlemaine, was ordered to donate €300 to Little Blue Heroes Foundation and convicted for intoxication to an extent that he could endanger himself or others. The court heard he was belligerent and made a rude gesture to gardaí on Main Street, Killarney at about 1am on July 21.
Seweryn Skalik (45) of 39 Summerdale Lawn, Youghal, Cork was fined €350 for reckless driving when he pulled out suddenly at Cloonts, Rathmore, causing a collision with two other vehicles at 5.40pm on September 10, 2024.
Sergej Nimzuk (42) of The Lyme, The Avenue, Countess Road, Killarney was fined €350 for driving without car insurance when he was stopped on a routine check by gardaí on April 10, 2025. His solicitor said he had cancelled his insurance when his car was in the garage and he had failed to renew it.
Jody Charles (19) of 11 Riverside Close, Abbeydorney, was charged for dangerous public intoxication and threatening and abusive behaviour on St Patrick’s Day on Main Street, Killarney. The court heard he was “shouting and screaming” in the face of a garda. He was ordered to pay €300 to the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
Sean Prenderville (31) of Castlefarm Hospital Limerick faced the same penalty for dangerous public intoxication at Aghadoe Heights Hotel on February 22.
Evan O’Brien (22) of Deerpark, Killarney was fined €200 for dangerous public intoxication. He was found passed out “on top of a wall” on Muckross Road, Killarney at 8.15pm on June 1. “He was arrested for his own safety, judge,” a garda said.
Finally, the judge issued €3,704 in fines for households that did not hold TV licences. The inspector made the rounds of Killarney in January and February. Of the 26 households summoned, six cases were withdrawn, two were struck out and two were contested and adjourned.