Thu Sep 12 06:05:48 UTC 2024: ## Man Fined for Bringing Pepper Spray to “Referee” Family Dispute
A Dublin man was fined in court for possessing pepper spray at a public park, claiming he was there to “referee an organised fight” between his wife and sister.
Bernard Stokes (35), of Dermot Street, Clongriffin, pleaded guilty to possessing the can of pepper spray on April 6th, 2022. Garda Kieran Lenehan told Swords District Court that he was called to Balheary Park after reports of a public order incident. He observed Stokes attempting to hide an object, which turned out to be the pepper spray.
Stokes initially told the garda he was there to referee a fight, but later explained to the court that there was a family dispute between his wife and sister. He feared that the situation could escalate and claimed he brought the pepper spray out of concern for his wife’s safety.
Judge William Aylmer, however, emphasized that the public is not authorized to take matters into their own hands. He convicted Stokes and imposed a fine, highlighting that only An Garda Síochána has the authority to maintain public order.
Defense lawyer Gerard Kennedy argued that Stokes is a family man with four young children, one of whom has complex medical needs. He also stated that Stokes suffers from depression and anxiety and was not intending to use the pepper spray.
While acknowledging Stokes’ personal circumstances, the court ultimately deemed the possession of pepper spray in a public park a serious offense, resulting in the fine being imposed.
First Piper 