Men who were abusive toward Waterford garda ordered to make donation to court poor box

Two men, who became abusive to a garda when she seized their car, have been ordered to pay €50 each to the court poor box.

Daniel Sanussi (20), of 10 Briot Walk, Waterford, and Chimezirimes Uwaoma (22), of 40 Wellington Square, Waterford, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, at Waterford District Court.

The court was told a garda was on patrol on Merchants Quay on March 23, 2025, when they identified a motor vehicle with an expired tax disc.

The garda spoke to Mr Sanussi, who was the driver, and he became abusive.

Mr Uwaoma was the passenger in the vehicle and “joined in”. 

Acting for both defendants, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that the men apologised for their behaviour.

Mr Sanussi, he said, had been unfamiliar with the law and things “escalated”. 

Mr Cunningham said Mr Sanussi was a student in marketing and digital media and was anxious to avoid a conviction.

Judge John Brennan said his behaviour was “difficult for gardaí to deal with”.

“I’m sure it didn’t make her job easier,” said Judge Brennan.

The judge said that while he could understand that the defendant was upset at having his car seized, it was no excuse for his behaviour.

However, Judge Brennan also said imposing a conviction was “unduly harsh”. 

He ordered both defendants to pay €50 to the court poor box, and if they did so, the charges would be struck out.

In his judgment in relation to Mr Uwaoma, Judge Brennan said he “deserves a chance, notwithstanding his appalling behaviour”. 

“He has been given a chance; he won’t get it again,” said Judge Brennan.