ASBOs ban duo from Dublin’s main street over suspected drug offences

ASBOs have been imposed on two men after a judge heard evidence that they were suspected to be involved in drug transactions and their presence around the O’Connell Street area frightened members of the public.

Superintendent Sean Ward, of Store Street Garda Station, succeeded in getting ASBOs (antisocial behaviour orders) imposed on Dublin men Wayne Donnelly, aged 27, from Riverdale Park, Palmerstown, and Paul Brazil, aged 33, who lives at Carnew St in Stoneybatter.

Following a hearing at Dublin District Court yesterday, Judge John O’Neill agreed to grant the ASBOs and he specified that neither men are allowed to enter O’Connell St or surrounding areas in Dublin 1 between 7am and 9pm for the next 12 months.

Failure to abide by these terms can lead to a criminal prosecution, a three-month jail term and a fine of up to €3,000.

The court action had been brought after each man had been repeatedly issued with adult behaviour warnings by gardaí patrolling the city centre.

Gda Sgt Adrian Kinsella told the court that on the morning of February 7 last year, Donnelly had been huddled with five other people at Lower Abbey Street. Passers-by were giving them a “wide berth” and “crossing the road to avoid this group”.

Gda Sgt Kinsella told Donnelly to desist loitering in a manner likely to intimidate. On July 22, at about 4pm, Sgt Kinsella spotted Donnelly outside a shop at O’Connell St.

“People were making it their business to avoid the group,” said Sgt Kinsella who agreed that Donnelly was searched but nothing was found on him.

Gda Tom Powell said that on July 1, Donnelly had been at O’Connell Street, outside Clery’s with drug addicts around him. He was “looking around vigorously” and believed to be engaged in a drugs transaction.

He was searched but nothing was found on him.

Gda Richard Markey said that, on March 19 last year, unemployed father of three Brazil, had been seen at a Luas stop on Lower Abbey St. He was angrily shouting into his phone while members of the public moved away and appeared intimidated.

Gda Markey said Brazil told him that he was in the area to buy methadone, a controlled substance.

Brazil told his barrister that he had never said to Gda Markey that he had been in the area to buy methadone. He admitted he was a recovering addict and had been having a row over the phone with his girlfriend.