Man ordered to pay €500 for wiping his excrement on cell blanket and wall in Kildare town Garda Station
INTOXICATION
A County Laois resident has been ordered to pay €500 for wiping his excrement on a cell blanket and a wall in Kildare town Garda Station.
Michael McDonagh, with an address given as 20 Clonroosk View in Portlaoise, County Laois, was convicted by Judge Desmond Zaidan of the offence at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 25 last.
Gardaí present in court told the judge that on July 21 last, the 46-year-old was intoxicated when gardaí came across him in the Market Square area of Kildare town.
Mr McDonagh was brought back to the local garda station, and he proceeded to defecate on the floor of the cell, and wiped his excrement on the blanket and wall of the cell.
It was heard that the cost of cleaning the cell was €200.
Mr McDonagh pleaded guilty to the offence.
Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan noted that Mr McDonagh has 17 previous convictions, 11 of which are for public disorder offences.
Defending solicitor Seamus Boyle told Judge Zaidan that his client has 'no memory' of the event.
Judge Zaidan jokingly remarked: "This happened four days ago... you could probably get the smell in the court room!"
"He said he 'went on a tear' that day," Mr Boyle replied.
Mr Boyle also said that his client was willing to pay for the cost of cleaning the cell.
He added that his client was 'apologetic and embarrassed' as a result of the incident.
Judge Zaidan directed Mr McDonagh pay €500 to the charity organisation Little Blue Heroes.
This payment is due on September 5, and sentencing is also due to be finalised on this date.