Man became aggressive when asked to leave Tullamore Garda Station

A homeless man who became aggressive when asked to leave Tullamore Garda Station was charged with public order and theft offences during the February 5 sitting of Tullamore District Court.

John Murray, Fr Peter McVerry Homeless Shelter, Kerdiffstown House, Naas, Co Kildare was charged with failing to comply with a Guard's direction and with engaging in threatening behaviour in Tullamore Garda Station on November 22 last.

He was also charged with stealing a bottle of wine, a cigarette lighter and a pizza donut (all worth €17.37) and various groceries worth €59.11 from Lidl, Main St, Tullamore on November 22.

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin said his client was pleading guilty.

Garda David Connaughton told the court that Mr Murray slept on a bench overnight in the public area of the Garda Station.

“When I asked him to move on in the morning, he refused to do so. He became angry and started cursing and swearing. Because he failed to comply I arrested and charged him.”

The same day Mr Murray was released and proceeded to Lidl on two separate occasions where he stole the items. He had six previous convictions, including two convictions for public order offences.

Mr Martin said his client is 42 years of age.

“He has been homeless for some time. He is trying to get his life back on track.”

Mr Martin asked the Judge to be as lenient as possible.

Judge Susan Fay convicted and fined €300 for the thefts from Lidl.