A young man with 44 previous convictions will have to spend an extra two months in jail for letting off fire extinguishers at a Galway hotel during St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Richard Butler (20 ) with an address at 39 New Road, Thomondgate, Limerick, was brought before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court last Monday where he pleaded guilty to criminal damage to fire extinguishers, valued at €400, at Travel Lodge, Tuam Road.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that on March 17 2009 the defendant, who had been staying at the Travel Lodge, let off four to five fire extinguishers and had been caught on CCTV. He added that it would cost €400 to refill the extinguishers and that the hotel had to get “someone in specially”.
Defence solicitor Adrian MacLynn said that his client had come to Galway for St Patrick’s Day celebrations and that he “over indulged”. He added that Butler admitted responsibility for letting off one of the fire extinguishers.
The court then heard that the defendant, who has 44 previous convictions, was currently serving a three month sentence for public order offences.
“It all seems to be due to alcohol. Forty-four previous convictions is a lot for such a young person,” said Judge Fahy.
Mr MacLynn said that the defendant was fully co-operative with gardai and had indicated willingness to pay compensation. “He is apologetic for his behaviour and realises the consequences,” he added.
Judge Fahy convicted and sentenced Butler to two months in jail to be served on lawful termination on the sentence already being served.
