Wicklow man sentenced over viral ‘straightener’ on public road
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man has been sentenced after admitting his role in a viral “straightener” on a public road that was watched by members of the public and shared widely on social media.
James Moorehouse, (36), with an address at Oldcourt Avenue, Bray, appeared before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to one public order offence.
Counsel for the defendant, instructed by solicitor Joe Maguire, told the court that Mr Moorehouse had been in custody on the matter after “foolishly taking a warrant”.
He added that Mr Moorehouse and his co-accused were friends who had a “scuffle” before shaking hands, but were subsequently apprehended after gardaí “did their job”.
Clive McKenna (34), of Oldcourt, Bray, Co Wicklow, received a one-month prison sentence for his role, but may complete community service in lieu of the custodial sentence if deemed a suitable candidate.
In June 2026, McKenna was told he was awaiting the finalisation of the matter, as he had been deemed unsuitable for community service.
Clive McKenna (34), with an address in Oldcourt, Bray, County Wicklow.
During Mr McKenna’s sentencing hearing, Detective Sergeant Ger Brennan told the court that, on June 20, 2025, gardaí received reports of a fight on the Boghall Road.
However, when a patrol car arrived, the fight had already ended .CCTV footage showed McKenna and Moorehouse “stripped to the waist and fighting”, while onlookers cheered them on. The footage was later circulated widely on social media.
Barrister for the prosecution, James Kelly, said members of the public were walking past during the organised “straightener”.
In her judgment, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin remarked that a fight in broad daylight with children present is a “frightening experience”.
Defence counsel said his client was “not of clean character”.
Mr Moorehouse has 33 previous convictions for producing an article, assault, public order and road traffic offences. The court heard that his previous violent offending dated from between 2008 and 2013, as he “was a lot more hot-headed as a younger man”.
Mr Kelly noted that the maximum sentence for a Section 6 Public Order Act offence is two months imprisonment.
Both defendants were initially charged with assault causing harm, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Judge Ní Chúlacháin backdated the accused’s sentence to the date he went into custody.