A 39-year-old Galway man who assaulted a bus driver by lunging at her, attempting to take the keys out of the ignition and turn the vehicle, has been sentenced to eight months in jail.
The Galway District Court heard last Monday how an intoxicated John Paul Barrett had technically assaulted the bus driver after realising he had got on to the wrong bus.
Barrett, with an address at 2 St Nicholas Park, Doughiska, pleaded guilty to a number of public order charges, possession of drugs, assault, and two counts of failing to appear in court.
Inspector Michael Coppinger told the court that at Parkmore Industrial Estate on May 24, 2008, at 5.20pm the defendant became “extremely abusive” to a bus driver, Stella Murphy. The situation escalated when Barrett forced his way into the cabin area and “lunged” at Ms Murphy. He attempted to take the keys out of the ignition and turn the bus. The inspector added that there had been passengers on the bus at the time and that the defendant had been very intoxicated.
On August 25, 2008, a scuffle broke out at St Nicholas Park after Barrett attempted to prevent gardai arresting his brother. Barrett was arrested for public order offences and obstruction of Garda Seamus McDonnell and brought to Galway Garda Station where he was found in possession of cocaine and cannabis, valued at €20 each.
Defence solicitor Sarah O’Dowd acknowledged that her client’s behaviour had been “absolutely apalling”. She said that Barrett, who has been separated for six years and is the father of one child, is the full-time carer of his disabled father and that he himself is on disability allowance. She said Barrett, who has been trying to overcome his drink and drugs problem, has been extremely depressed and traumatised since he lost his 28-year-old sister to cancer.
Regarding the bus driver incident Ms O’Dowd said that Barrett took a rare break from looking after his father and went drinking with friends, however, he got the wrong the bus. He realised his mistake when he was a mile and half from his home and became upset. She explained that the bus had been stationary when the offence occurred.
Inspector Coppinger then told Judge Mary Fahy that Barrett has 19 previous convictions, the last of which was for possession of drugs, obstruction, and public order offences in October 2003.
Judge Fahy pointed out that although it was a technical assault it had been “very frightening” for the driver. “For him to try and take the keys off her is an outrage,” said Judge Fahy, before imposing a total sentence of eight months and fining him €200. Leave to appeal was granted.
