No jail for Limerick ex-senator arrested three times in 24 hours on public order offences

The court heard James Heffernan has completed treatment for alcohol addiction, and “having battled his demons now helps other people battle theirs”.

James Heffernan was found guilty of obstruction, being intoxicated to the extent he was a danger to himself and others, and using threatening and abusive words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace during incidents on February 12 and February 13, 2022. Photo: Collins Courts

A former senator was arrested three times in 24 hours for public order offences in Dublin after a failed bid to enter his name as a candidate for a Seanad by-election, a judge has heard.

James Heffernan, 43, shouted “profanities” at a Trinity College Dublin (TCD) security man, gave bar staff the finger when refused service, and kicked and lashed out at gardaí before calling them c***s and paedos, Dublin District Court was told on Tuesday.