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.