Philanthropist called arresting gardaí ‘bastards’

A philanthropist/property developer, who told gardaí they were “bastards” when he was arrested at a pub he had owned which was subsequently taken over by Nama, has been placed on a peace bond by Tallaght Court.

Niall Mellon appeared on bail before Judge Anthony Halpin. A solicitor for the DPP told the court the DPP had directed summary disposal.

Mellon told Judge Halpin that he does a lot of travelling and takes up to 300 flights a year. He said he would be willing to plead guilty to a charge of public drunkenness but asked that the charge for breaching the peace be struck out. He said he was representing himself.

Sergeant Bernard Jones said that would be a matter for the DPP. Although Mellon asked if the case could be dealt with that day, the judge said it would have to be put back for hearing.

Mellon said he would plead guilty to both charges.

Mellon, aged 46, of Brentwood Court, Sandwich Rd, Manchester, pleaded guilty to public drunkenness and breaching the peace at Taylors Three Rock, Kellystown Rd, Rathfarnham, on Jul 12.

Sgt Jones told the court that at 12.30am on Jul 12, the gardaí had been called to Taylors Three Rock after receiving a call that a group was dealing drugs.

He said it was Mellon who made the call. Sgt Jones said Mellon was very drunk and very abusive to staff and members of the public. He said the gardaí spoke to the head barman and learned that Mellon used to own the premises but it was now under the control of Nama.

He said Mellon began to square up to another man and the gardaí then ordered him out of the pub. They encouraged him to take a taxi home but he refused.

Sgt Jones said Garda Colm Noonan then directed him to leave the area under Section 8 of the Public Order Act, but he refused. Mellon told the gardaí he would “fucking embarrass them in court” and told them “you are bastards”, according to Sgt Jones.

He said Mellon was arrested and taken to Rathfarnham Garda Station, where he continued to be abusive.

He said Mellon had one previous conviction. On Jun 2, 2005, he was fined €200 for breaching the peace.

Judge Halpin told Mellon his behaviour had been “inexcusable” and placed him on a peace bond for 12 months.