The pregnant manager of a city centre store was left distressed over concerns for her health and that of her unborn child after a troublemaker spat in her face, the Galway District Court heard this week.
After hearing that Petru Samu took the despicable step of spitting into the face of the manager at Argos on the Headford Road after being asked to leave, Judge Mary Fahy said that she had to “make an example out of him” by imposing a four month prison sentence.
The 25-year-old Romanian national with an address at 6 Ard An Choiste, Headford Road, appeared before Judge Fahy on Monday and pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman on December 5, 2009. A charge for threatening and abusive behaviour was withdrawn by the State.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that at 5.30pm there were a number of individuals, mainly Romanians, who had entered Argos and there was “some activity” which caused annoyance for the staff. The defendant, who was singled out as one of the main troublemakers, was asked by the manager to leave the premises.
The inspector said that Samu then pushed the manager, who was pregnant, before he was shown the way out. As the manager opened and held the door Samu spat in to her face.
“This caused her great distress as she was six months pregnant,” said Inspector Coppinger who added that Samu was identified on CCTV and that he has previous convictions for theft.
“She not only had concern for herself but for her unborn child... He was asked to leave, if he had he wouldn’t be here today. He actually spat in someone’s face. She was only carrying out her duty. I have to make an example out of him,” said Judge Fahy.
Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor said that Samu has been in the country since 2007 and is not allowed to work because of his status.
“He is not treating the country with much respect. It was totally unnecessary,” said Judge Fahy before imposing the sentence.
