A serial offender with 122 previous convictions has been given a “final opportunity” to prove himself with the probation services after a drunken outburst saw him run into traffic following a League of Ireland match at Tallaght Stadium.
Robert Ward (30), of Walker Grove, Parkside, Clongriffin, Dublin 13, appeared before Tallaght District Court, where Detective Sergeant Ruth Finnegan outlined the incident.
Det Sgt Finnegan told the court the incident occurred around 5.35pm on October 6, 2024, near the N81 in Tallaght, shortly after a League of Ireland match, which Ward had attended.
Gardaí were dealing with a situation involving a bus driver who had let passengers off at the wrong location, and the bus had stalled with the doors shut. Ward began filming the incident, claiming his friend was stuck inside the bus.
When Gardaí asked him to move on, he shouted, “F**k you, asshole,” and ran into oncoming traffic. He appeared heavily intoxicated and threw three cans of Bulmers on the ground nearby.
He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to two public order offences relating to threatening behaviour and intoxication in a public place.
The court heard that Ward had two bench warrants outstanding and a history of convictions for traffic, theft, and drug offences. At the time of the incident, he was already serving a five-month suspended sentence for a trespassing conviction.
Ward told the court that he had started filming out of concern for his friend, who he said was still trapped inside the bus.
His barrister, Alice Halleron BL, said Ward has struggled with alcohol addiction but is now trying to change his life. She said he had made four previous attempts to engage with treatment and had recently started a plumbing apprenticeship, working five days a week from 7am to 4pm.
“He’s struggling, but he appears to be doing well,” Ms Halleron said. “He wants to take responsibility and get back into society.”
Judge Catherine Ghent said a previously suspended sentence would be triggered by the new offence but would not be formally dealt with until after a full probation report has been prepared.
“I want written confirmation of the apprenticeship and a full probation report,” she said. “I am taking a risk. This is your final opportunity – you need to take this chance.”
Ward replied: “100 per cent.”
The matter was adjourned to September 12, when a full probation report will be before the court.