by Ronan Judge
A house party in Kilrush that was in breach of covid regulations was no “golf-gate” type event, a court has heard.
At Kilrush district court, Marian Dusail (36), with an address at O’Dea’s Road, Kilrush, pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to the health act as amended by the Health (preservation and protection and other emergency measures in the public interest) Act 2020.
The summons stated that Dusail did organise or cause to be organised an event which was held for social or recreational reasons in a dwelling without taking reasonable steps to ensure those persons attending or proposing to attend the event were part of the household. The event took place at the accused’s home address on February 25, 2021 at a time when social gatherings were not allowed.
Garda Ken Butler told the court that he observed between eight and ten people attending a “house party” at the property. He said the attendees were from the same family but lived at different households. The court heard a €500 fixed charge penalty notice was issued but went unpaid.
Gda Butler told the court Dusail has no previous convictions. Defence solicitor John Casey confirmed the facts of the case were as outlined by gda Butler. Mr Casey said that at the time of the incident, his client had been unable to carry out his usual work as a result of the pandemic. He said his client had been drinking on his own during the day prior to other members of his family calling to the house. “There were eight to 10 people judge. This was no golf-gate”, he added.
Judge Mary Larkin said, “Was it as serious as an event at 10 Downing Street?” “There were no selfies judge”, Mr Casey replied. Mr Casey told the court his client had received the €500 fine but did not have the money to pay it. He said Dusail had attempted to pay the fine in instalments but that was not possible. Judge Larkin convicted Dusail and imposed a €50 fine.
