Ashbourne man ordered to make donation to charity after making threats to local councillor

An Ashbourne man who threatened a Meath county councillor and called him a “traitor” for his work supporting the Ukrainian community has been ordered to make a donation to charity or face a conviction.

Ciaran Starrs (50), from Brindley Park Square, Ashbourne, was charged with with threatening to kill or maim local Fine Gael Cllr Alan Tobin.

The court heard on 10th June at Castle Street Cllr Alan Tobin was replenishing bags at a dog foul bin when a van pulled up beside him. Ciaran Starrs proceeded to call Tobin a "traitor" due to his support for Ukrainian refugees and threatened him. Mr Starrs was arrested shortly after this incident and made admissions to threatening the councillor.

Tobin told the court that the incident made him think about his role as a public representative. Tobin told the court he wants a "zero tolerance approach to this".

Mr Starrs has seven previous convictions dating back to 2008.

The defence told the court he made full admissions when interviewed by Gardai and admitted his behaviour was "unacceptable".

Cllr Tobin accepted the apology from the accused but he said his wife heard about the incident and she “shouldn’t be subjected to this”.

He said a crime prevention officer had advised him "to remove stones out of my front garden” for his and his family's safety.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan told the court that this is a serious allegation and a message has to be sent that this cannot happen again.

Mr Starrs was ordered to pay €500 to Meath Women's Refuge by 6th November and, if paid, the Probation Act will be applied which means he would avoid a conviction.