Wicklow man (27) who shouted racist remark at gardaí is spared jail
The Wicklow PeopleA 27-year-old man who was found barefoot and shouting in the middle of a road in Wicklow, and who directed offensive comments towards gardaí during the incident, has been given a suspended sentence and a fine at Arklow District Court.
Denis Condren (27), of Stranakelly, Tinahely, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty at Arklow District Court to one charge of abusive and insulting behaviour and one charge of intoxication in a public place.
Sergeant Anthony Flynn told the court that gardaí responded to a call at Kevin Street, Tinahely, on 28 June 2025. At the scene, they were met by Mr Condren, who was “standing in the middle of the road barefoot and in tracksuit bottoms”.
Mr Condren proceeded to shout at them, saying: “You do nothing to help the Irish people, you r*****s.” He then added: “You only help smelly foreigners.”
A solicitor for the defendant told the court that his client had no recollection of the incident and had been drinking heavily since the death of his grandmother a little over a year ago. He said Mr Condren had lived with her for over eight years due to an ongoing conflict with his father.
The court was told Mr Condren has not consumed alcohol since the incident and has recently begun speaking with his family again. He is reportedly “extremely cautious” in his efforts to rebuild those relationships.
The court also heard that Mr Condren has a strong work history and is currently employed by a fencing company, earning €750 per week.
Judge David Kennedy noted that Mr Condren had previous convictions for similar offences. He imposed a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and issued a fine of €1,000.