Football fan who ‘seldom drinks’ was abusive to gardaí on FAI Cup final day, court hears

Kevin Collins (25) “seldom drinks”, but had too much alcohol on the day, a court heard.

Judge Bryan Smyth struck the case out, leaving him without a criminal record when he made a €400 charity donation.

Collins, with an address at Strandville Avenue, North Strand, pleaded guilty to public intoxication and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at Talbot Street on November 13. When gardaí encountered the accused outside the Celt pub after midnight, he was heavily intoxicated and a danger to himself.

Collins became aggressive and abusive towards the gardaí and was arrested. He had no previous convictions.

Collins had been out for the day at the FAI Cup final in the city, his solicitor Damien Coffey said.

He recalled an argument with the pub bouncers but “doesn’t really remember anything thereafter.”

“He seldom drinks but drank to excess that day,” Mr Coffey said.

The accused was married with a child on the way.