Addict evaded taxi fare and threatened public with a broken bottle at Limerick city centre

A MAN who threatened the public with a broken bottle in Limerick city centre has come before the Circuit Court.

Brendan Clune, 54, of Merchant’s Square, Ennis, committed a series of antisocial acts late at night in Limerick on April 24, 2025.

Garda Brian Delaney told the court that Mr Clune got a taxi from Ennis to Arthur’s Quay and fled the car without making payment.

The court heard that the fare cost €80 and that Mr Clune had consumed drugs and alcohol on the night in question.

Later that night, Mr Clune descended upon a takeaway on Cruises Street. Barrister John O’Sullivan detailed “an incident broke out” - with Mr Clune breaking a wine bottle and “running” at individuals.

The chaos continued when Mr Clune went begging at Sarsfield Street, and approached a young man. The man gave Mr Clune some change, and Mr Clune went on to threaten him, saying: “I want 30 quid, I have a blade on me”. The young man gave over the cash, but when Mr Clune saw a further ten euro note peaking out of his wallet, he said “I want 40 now”.

After the incident, Mr Clune was stopped by Garda Brian Delaney - who found a Stanley knife on his person.

Mr O’Sullivan detailed that Mr Clune has 41 previous convictions - including one for assault, a drugs charge and a breach of a domestic order.

Barrister-in-Law Yvonne Quinn, defending the man, told Judge Colin Daly that Mr Clune has engaged with mental health services since 1996 and has recently undergone rehab treatment.

Judge Daly said that “the greater help to society would be that Mr Clune remains sober”, and gave him a two year sentence, which he suspended for two years

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme