Man ‘became aggressive’ during garda search in Mayo town, judge told

A case involving a public order offence by a Polish national has been adjourned to allow for the preparation of a probation report.

The court heard that Patryk Zdunek (33), with an address at Rathbawn Road, Castlebar, came before the local court in relation to offences under Sections 4 and 6 of the Public Order Act.

Court presenter Sergeant John O’Reilly informed the court that Garda O’Brien had been on patrol on November 14, 2025, at approximately 4.40 p.m., when the accused became aggressive while being searched on Rathbawn Road and was subsequently arrested.

Judge Sandra Murphy asked for clarification on the nature of the alleged abuse.

Sergeant O’Reilly informed the court that the behaviour involved name-calling, profanities and general abuse. While the abuse was not described as severe, the situation escalated to the point where handcuffs had to be used.

Defence solicitor Mr. Gary Mulchrone told the court that his client is originally from Poland and has been living in Ireland for 16 years. He works in the fishing industry off the west coast, describing it as hard and demanding labour, with employment dependent on weather conditions.

Mr. Mulchrone said that while Zdunek has previous convictions, including one for assault causing harm, the suspended sentence imposed in that matter had expired approximately seven months before the current incident.

He said alcohol misuse was a significant issue for his client and that this was the first occasion he had faced a Section 6 public order charge.

“He is a hard-working man,” Mr. Mulchrone said, adding that when onshore, his client can overindulge in alcohol.

He acknowledged that there had been previous interactions with gardaí but said his client would be willing to engage with the Probation Service.

Judge Murphy said intoxication was a serious concern and warned the accused of the gravity of the situation.

“This has brought you into serious criminality,” she said, adding that being at sea would not be accepted as an excuse if engagement with probation was required. She also warned that the matter could result in a custodial sentence if not addressed.

The case was adjourned to April 1, 2026, to allow for the preparation of a probation report.

* Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.