Local man in court on public disorder charges | Westmeath Independent

A man charged with public order offences has been ordered to pay €200 to the Little Blue Heroes Foundation by next month.

Stephen Foster (36), with an address in Battery Heights, Athlone, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Athlone District Court, where he pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour in April of last year.

That charge related an incident on April 24, 2025, at Athlone Garda Station.

Mr Foster has been directed to pay €200 to the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, on that charge, by May 20 next.

A hearing date is being sought for a second charge of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, demonstrating hatred towards the injured party on account of her membership or presumed membership of a group defined by reference to her nationality.

This offence is alleged to have occurred on March 7 of last year at Cherryfield Avenue in Athlone.

Mr McLynn said he is instructed to look for a hearing date for the March 2025 charge, and informed the court that one aspect of disclosure is outstanding, namely a recording that the complainant refers to in her statement.

The case was put back to May 20. A Polish interpreter has been directed for the injured party.