Woman guilty of affray after man stole drink from her table in Limerick pub

A WOMAN pleaded guilty to her role in an affray with a man after the court heard he stole bottles of drink from her table in a pub.

Elaine Downes, aged 37, of Radharc Cillin, Kilfinane pleaded guilty at Kilmallock Court to one count of affray contrary to Section 16 Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, said the disturbance, which occurred on the main street of Kilfinane at 00.45am on May 29, 2023, was linked to a public house.

“There was a disagreement with another party - a verbal altercation that escalated. She was in receipt as much as she gave. It did meet the threshold of the charged,” said Insp Manton.

The garda inspector said it was a verbal altercation that escalated out of control and “here we are”.

Insp Manton said the parties didn’t receive any injuries and a co-accused has been referred to the Probation Service for a report.

Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Ms Downes, said his client was enjoying a night out in a bar in Kilfinane with friends and family.

The solicitor said the co-accused stole a few bottles of drink from the table and when she approached the man she “did not get a good response”.

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“Nastiness was thrown at her. There was wrong on both sides. CCTV captured the incident. Nobody made a complaint. She apologises. She regrets what happened,” said Mr O’Donnell, who asked for Ms Downes to be referred to the Probation Service.

Judge Fiona Brennan asked for a probation report to be prepared and to address restorative justice.

The matter was adjourned.