A man who made a xenophobic comment to gardaí during a public order incident in Dublin is to be fined and will have a previously suspended sentence activated.
Wayne Wilson (45), with an address in Virginia Hall, Belgard, Dublin 24, appeared before Judge John O’Leary at Tallaght District Court charged with being drunk and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in public.
Detective Sergeant Ruth Finnegan told the court that the incident took place on November 13, 2024, when gardaí found Wilson in an intoxicated state on the Belgard Road in Tallaght. He staggered towards a patrol car and was told he was being arrested.
He responded: “What the f** are you going to do about all the foreigners?” before opening the door of the patrol car and climbing inside himself, saying: “I will help you”, which was interpreted as a sarcastic offer to assist in his own arrest.
When asked by Judge O’Leary where he got his views about foreigners, Wilson replied: “From the news – Sky News.”
“Sky News Australia, is it?” the judge remarked, prompting laughter in the courtroom.
The court heard Wilson was conveyed to Tallaght Garda Station at 11.55pm that night, where he reportedly told gardaí: “Guilty all the way!”
He returned voluntarily the following day with a letter of apology.
Wilson pleaded guilty to the charges under Sections 4 and 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act. The court heard he has 18 previous convictions, including those for the possession of knives, violent behaviour, criminal damage, obstruction and public order matters.
On January 9, 2024, he received a six-month sentence suspended for 12 months for possession of a knife. Judge O’Leary said the new offence breached the conditions of that suspension and that he would now have to activate the sentence.
Defence counsel, Ciara Ní Ghabhann BL, said her client was “apologetic and deeply embarrassed” and had been drinking heavily at the time.
Counsel said Wilson believed himself to be physically addicted to alcohol, but has since taken steps to address his mental health, resumed antipsychotic and antidepressant medication, and completed an alcohol offending programme.
The court heard he has also been volunteering with the Red Cross and has remained sober for the past ten weeks.
Judge O’Leary imposed fines of €100 for the Section 4 and Section 6 offences, to be paid within six months.
He remanded Wilson on bail, fixing a recognisance in the sum of €300, to appear again at Tallaght District Court on June 23 next.