Abusive train passenger ‘lashed out’ when he was arrested at Heuston Station

 • 4h ago

A train passenger who “lashed out” at gardaí when he was arrested for hurling abuse at staff has been spared jail.

Damian McClean was given a two-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court.

McClean (32), of Ballybeg, Littleton, Thurles, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

The court heard gardaí were called to Heuston Station on June 23, 2021, to assist security in a public order incident.

McClean was travelling on a train and began shouting at security staff, calling them “f**king p***ks” and “c**ts,” a garda told Judge Treasa Kelly

He was told to desist and leave the area but failed to do so and was arrested.

When gardaí tried to place handcuffs on him, he “proceeded to lash out” and refused to put his arms behind him. He was restrained and brought to Kevin Street garda station. He had previous public order convictions.

McClean’s substance abuse problems stemmed from being prescribed an addictive painkiller in his youth, his solicitor said.

Things “spiralled” and he ended up taking “every drug you could think of”. He had been for treatment and since secured employment.