THE long-running mystery of Galway Court’s mystery man has finally been resolved thanks to dogged and persistent police work.
Gardaí had suspected that an individual calling himself Levi Johnson was using a nom de plume and he had been held in custody while strenuous efforts were made to establish his real identity.
Interpol, UK police forces and the PSNI were among the sources contacted, as well as exhaustive local sources, until it was finally established that Levi is in fact Matthew Thompson from Preston in the UK.
Prosecuting Garda Sgt Christy Brown told Judge Fiona Lydon at Galway District Court this week that Thompson had offered no assistance to the Gardaí in establishing his ID and in fact right up to the morning of his latest Court appearance on Monday, he was still refusing to divulge his real name.
“The Court will be aware of the hoops Mr Thompson made us jump through,” Sgt Brown said
He gave credit to Garda Nigel Silke for unravelling the mystery through prolonged and tireless effort, employing every source available to investigators and he finally discovered that their man was in fact Matthew Thompson aka Levi Johnson until this result. It was noted that the defendant gave no assistance whatsoever in the process.
Thompson was charged with theft and public order offences. The prosecution applied to have all documentation amended to contain the defendant’s correct name.
The Judge was told that Gardaí were concerned that the defendant’s family or friends in the UK may be concerned for his welfare.
Suffered from PTSD following assault
Michael Cunningham solr (defending ) said his client was willing to plead to some but not all charges he faced. He objected to pleading guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in public. Sgt Brown withdrew that charge and matters proceeded.
Thompson pleaded guilty to being drunk in public and arrested twice on the one day for the offence on November 12 last and two thefts from Dunnes Stores on November 13 and 14.
Mr Cunningham pleaded that his client was 34 and a philosophy graduate. He had suffered a serious assault in Manchester in 2017 and suffered PTSD as a result and in times of stress this was a triggering event for him.
He had come to Ireland on a holiday but his bag was stolen in Dublin and this led to his behavior in Galway. His client had no previous convictions and intended to return to Preston.
Judge Lydon told him he had made matters very, very difficult for the Gardaí and a lot of resources had been utilised to establish who he was.
“This is an aggravating factor as there are not unlimited resources available, in fact resources are quite limited and a lot of time and effort had been wasted on him which the State could ill afford,” she said.
The Judge added that she had a mind to impose a custodial sentence but instead imposed a suspended four-months sentence on condition he engage with mental health services.
In conclusion she warned him that if he had a mind to stay around Galway she would be keeping an eye out for him. “I hope you take up the supports available and move on,” she added.
