A visitor to Galway, who had to be arrested after getting into a row with his friends during the trip, saw the error of his ways and sought treatment for his addiction issues when he got home, Galway District Court heard.

Father-of-two Jason Power, (31), of 20 Dundaniel Road, Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour in Eyre Square on August 12 last year.

Sgt Christy Browne told the court that Power was part of a large group in Eyre Square at 2am that morning. An argument broke out and when Garda Brian Freyne intervened the defendant became abusive. He was highly intoxicated that the time and had to be arrested, Sgt Browne added.

His solicitor, Valerie Corcoran, told the court that her client was currently receiving treatment for his drug addiction at a non-residential facility in Ballymun.

“He came down with friends, was highly intoxicated and an argument broke out in the group,” she explained.

“He shouldn’t have come to the attention of the Gardaí.”

She said that Power returned home to Dublin after the weekend in Galway and sought treatment for his addition. He is currently receiving treatment on a full-time drug and alcohol programme at Star Project in Ballymun.

Remarking that the patron was President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, Judge Mary Fahy said that it would be great to provide such a service to the people of the West.

“I hope he doesn’t reoffend,” she said of Power, before imposing a fine of €200 for being threatening and abusive in public. The second matter of being drunk in public was taken into account on his plea.