Man ran away when card was declined for hotel meal

A man who tried to run away after his card was declined when paying for a meal at an Athlone hotel is due to reappear before the court in April.

Francis Johnston (41), with an address at Birchgrove, Creagh, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, pleaded guilty to public order and theft charges before Athlone District Court.

The court on January 28 heard that, on December 27, 2025, Gardaí received reports of an intoxicated, abusive male at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone.

When they arrived, it was reported that the accused had run away when payment for an €82.90 meal was declined. Security staff caught and held him until Gardaí arrived.

The man had become abusive towards staff, the court heard, and handcuffs had to be used to effect arrest. He was subsequently charged with public intoxication, and using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

Judge Bernadette Owens directed a probation report and remanded him on continuing bail to April 22, for that report and mitigation.

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