Prison sentence for intoxicated and abusive man who urinated in entranceway of shop in Tullamore

A man was convicted of committing a number of  public order offences in Tullamore during the District Court sitting last week. 

David Fenton, 36 Lynn  Heights, Mullingar, was charged with being intoxicated in a public place and threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour. The offences happened on  O’Moore Street, Tullamore on February the 11th  last. 

He was also charged with intoxication and threatening behaviour on the same date at  Coologue, Daingean. 

On the same date, also at Coologue  Daingean, he was charged with failing to appear in court in accordance with  his bail conditions. He  failed to appear in Tullamore District Court on July 19 last. 

The defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client was pleading guilty. Sgt James O’Sullivan told the court that at 3.15pm on February 11 in Coologue  Daingean  the defendant made  a number of  threats against a Garda that he would assault the Garda.  Later  on  the same day, at 9.50pm, on  O’Moore  St, Tullamore he was seen urinating in the entranceway of a shop on the street. Gardai saw that he could hardly stand. When they talked to  him  he became very aggressive and they arrested him." 

Mr Farrelly  said his client is 38 years of age.

“This is a very unfortunate case,” he remarked. “He is a former electrician who suffers from alcoholism. He has attended at Cuan Mhuire to try and tackle his problem. There is a similar case against him in Mullingar District Court and he has spent the last week in prison.” 

The court was told that Mr Fenton had 42  previous  convictions, many of which were for Section 4 and Section 6 Public Order. He also had  a previous  conviction for criminal damage. 

“He spent three months  in Cuan Mhuire,” said the solicitor, “and was doing quite well, but had a breakout unfortunately. He has a  two and a half year old child with his partner. Once he tackles his drinking problem, which is a disease, I am sure he will be a good electrician again and will be a good, positive member of society.” 

Judge Andrew Cody commented that he had to take into account the high number of previous convictions.

“The message doesn’t seem to be sinking in with him. When will this behaviour end? I feel sorry for  the poor shopkeeper coming into work the next morning and being confronted by a strong smell of urine. It is unacceptable behaviour.”

Mr Farrelly said his client  didn’t  remember much of the day and there were no serious public order incidents involved, such as assault. 

The Judge convicted and sentenced to two months imprisonment.