The repeated violent behaviour of a man, once convicted of manslaughter, was a cause of great concern for a district court judge this week.
After hearing evidence of Donatos Sutkus’ “ferocious temper” when apprehended by a security at a city centre store, Judge Mary Fahy imposed a six month sentence.
The 26-year-old, with an address at 59 Cnoc An Oir, Rahoon, was brought in custody before Galway District Court last Monday and pleaded guilty to theft and threatening and abusive behaviour at Debenhams, Eyre Street, on February 20, 2009.
Inspector Pat McHugh said that at 4.30pm gardai received a report of a shoplifter being held by security staff at Debenhams. The defendant had stolen two bottles of perfume valued at €115 and he suddenly became aggressive and violent when apprehended. Inspector McHugh explained that it took two security personnel to get the defendant to the ground and restrain him.
The court then heard that Sutkus has previous convictions which include a five year sentence imposed for manslaughter committed in 2004. Sutkus is also currently serving a two month jail sentence for public order offences at UHG on February 19 of this year.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that Sutkus had panicked because he didn’t want to go back to prison.
“He has a ferocious temper... He was punished but has not learnt his lesson. I have serious concerns for this man because his flare for temper is done in seconds,” replied Judge Fahy.
Judge Fahy convicted Sutkus and imposed a sentence of six months to be served consecutively to the sentence already being served.
