A MAN found by Gardaí in a drunken state and who was threatening to kill a female, was in possession of a box-cutter knife when he was searched and was warned “never darken this door again” by a Judge when he was brought before Monday’s sitting of Galway District Court.
Gardaí objected to Frank McDonagh, 20, Fana Lair, Newcastle, getting bail because of the nature of the offences he was charged with.
Evidence was given that Gardaí attended a disturbance on Sunday where they found McDonagh in a drunken state and shouting abuse at a female. He was threatening to kill her and when Gardaí intervened he abused them using foul language and again repeated his threat to kill the woman. On being arrested Gardaí found a blue box-cutter knife on his person.
Judge Fiona Lydon asked if the knife had been produced during the altercation and she was told it had not been.
Olivia Traynor solr (defending ) pleaded that her client had a drink issue and she had put it to him that he must address this and get treatment. To this end McDonagh agreed to attend a GP linked to the Cope services.
Judge Lydon said that if he really intended to stop drinking she would need to see he was alcohol-free by way of a urine analysis test.
Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast set out strict bail conditions. These included having no contact whatsoever with any witness or the injured party in this case, remain sober, attend Cope and seek treatment for his alcohol problem.
Granting bail Judge Lydon told the defendant: “It’s up to yourself. Don’t darken this door again. That’s my best advice.”
