A chef at a city centre fast-food restaurant received an unwelcome visit from one of his toughest critics yet — an abusive patron who after being served food entered the kitchen and assaulted him.
The Galway District Court heard how Alexsandrs Bogdanous had been in Eddie Rockets in Eglinton Street on March 1, 2009, when he assaulted a chef and caused criminal damage worth €200 to a window.
Inspector Ernie White told the court that the 29-year-old Latvian national, with an address given as 227 Cartur Mor, Clybaun Road, had been served food at the premises at 7.40pm and immediately became abusive to staff. He entered the kitchen area and assaulted the chef by pushing and insulting him. He was then ordered to leave but refused. When he did eventually comply he “smashed” a window on his way out. Inspector White added that Bogdanous has previous convictions which include refusing to give a breath sample in December 2008 and being intoxicated in a public place in November 2006.
When asked if he was in a position to pay compensation Bogdanous replied that he only had €95 on his person and that there was no more money left in his bank account. Judge Mary Fahy said that she wanted €400 for the damage to the window and for compensation to the injured party.
When the case resumed it was discovered that a bench warrant was in existence for road traffic matters. The offences include driving without insurance, failing to produce insurance, unlawfully authorising the use of the vehicle by another person, having no tax, and failing to provide gardai with a name at Seamus Quirke Road, on July 10, 2005.
Judge Fahy was also informed that gardai were unsure of the defendant’s address; during enquiries a female resident claimed that the defendant had not lived there since Christmas. The court was later informed that friends of the defendant were able to come up with the compensation, however, they were unable to shed any light on the address. The €400 compensation was handed over to gardai and Bogdanous was convicted and fined a total of €300 with three months to pay.
When Bogdanous appeared in court again yesterday to answer the road traffic charges his address was confirmed by his employer. He was remanded on his own bail of €300 with an independent surety of €300 lodged. The case was adjourned to April 27.
