A chronic alcoholic with 55 previous convictions was sentenced to a total of 21 months for tresspass, possession of a knife and a broken pint glass, and spitting at an American tourist.
Patrick Mongan (42 ) with an address at 7 Sliabh Rua, Ballybane, was brought before Judge Aeneus McCarthy at Galway District Court last Monday and pleaded guilty to a plethora of charges including assault at Eyre Square on July 16, 2008, tresspass at Dock Street and possession of a knife at Spanish Arch on January 27, 2008, and posession of a broken pint glass at Eyre Square on May 18, 2009. He was also charged with theft and a number of public order offences as well as failing to appear in court.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that the defendant’s latest offence took place on May 18, 2009, at 4.35pm when he was observed in Eyre Square in a very drunk state and “waving a broken pint glass” about while members of the public passed by.
At 8.50pm on July 16, 2008, Mongan was in an intoxicated state when he “spat at an Amercan tourist”. Regarding a burglary on January 27, 2008, Mongan entered a private apartment in Dock Street and took two bottles of alcohol. Inspector Coppinger said that the incident occured while a female occupant was asleep. When the defendant was arrested nearby he was found in possession of a knife. “At no stage was the knife produced,” insisted the inspector.
The defendant had also been charged with being intoxicated in a public place and with theft at Tig Coili Bar in Shop Street on December 13, 2007. Mongan attempted to steal a bag from a woman at the tables outside the pub.
The court then heard that the defendant has 55 previous convictions which include trespass, a sentence for theft, assault, and numerous public order offences.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her client had been an alcoholic for a very long time. She said Mongan’s sister has now “taken him in hand” and he has had long periods of sobriety.
“He is his own worst enemy. He is not bad minded,” said Ms Corcoran who then asked for leniency.
“Going into a woman’s apartment while she is asleep and having a knife is hardly minor,” said Judge McCarthy who then convicted and sentenced Mongan to a total of 21 months in jail back dated to May 19. Leave to appeal was granted.
