A CYCLIST who aggressively remonstrated with the occupants of a car which pulled across him in Limerick has avoided a criminal conviction.

Sergej Klimovi, 36, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a single public order charge and admitted engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at William Street on April 14, 2018.

At Limerick District Court, Judge Brian O’Shea was told the defendant, who is originally from Lithuania, was observed by gardai “shouting and roaring” at the occupants of the car after they were alerted to the disturbance.

Inspector Liz Kennedy said the people in the car were extremely frightened and visibly upset following the incident which happened at around 12 midday.

Solicitor Tom Kiely said his client arrived in Ireland a number of years ago on the understanding that he would be offered employment.

However, he said no job was forthcoming and that promises made to him turned out to be false.

The defendant later began associating with criminals and got involved in drug use for a period.

Judge O’Shea was told Mr Klimovic has been making efforts to address his problem and was on his way to collect Methadone when the offence before the court took place.

“There was a degree of intoxication,” said Mr Kiely, who said his client regrets what happened and is apologetic.

It was accepted by the State that there have been no further incidents since and that the 36-year-old is not on the garda radar.

Mr Kiely said up to recently his client did not have a PPSN and was living on the streets as he had no income or money.

He has sorted out his affairs over the past year and has been placed in his own accommodation with the assistance of the Limerick Homeless Action Team.

“He is a completely different man now, he has completely and utterly turned himself around,” said Mr Kiely.

Noting the submissions made and noting the defendant’s previous good record as well as his personal circumstances, Judge O’Shea applied the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Probation Act.