A hospital security man was left badly injured when a scuffle broke out in the A&E department resulting in three people, including the assailant, falling on top of a patient who had been lying on a trolley waiting for treatment, the Galway District Court heard last week.
The shocking details of the assault was revealed when Dara Flores of Menlo, Galway, was summoned to appear before Judge Mary Fahy last Wednesday for the assault of Keith Moggan causing him harm at the A&E department at UHG on October 14, 2007. Flores also pleaded guilty to the assault of Hugh O’Donnell causing him harm at 1 Sandyvale Lawn, Headford Road, on January 13, 2008.
Inspector Pat McHugh told the court that Mr Moggan, UHG security man, was assaulted at around 4.20am. Flores had been visiting his brother in hospital when he had been requested to leave the clinical area after causing difficulties for the nursing staff. He was told to go to the waiting room but refused to do so. Mr Moggan, who with one other member of security was called to assist in escorting Flores to the waiting area, was “headbutted” and his nose was broken. Other injuries included a damaged molar tooth and a cut lip. The defendant and the two security men, during the course of the struggle, had also fallen on top of a patient who had been lying in a trolley.
“That’s as bad as it gets, when hospitals are such a busy place and are restricted in space,” said Judge Fahy.
Regarding the incident on January 13 Inspector McHugh said that between 5am and 6am Mr O’Donnell had been waiting for a taxi and heard a noise outside. When he opened the door the defendant and another man were there. Flores then asked if a woman lived in the house, asked to come inside, and said that he wanted CDs that belonged to him. When Mr O’Donnell refused to let him in Flores punched him in the jaw which threw the injured party backwards. Flores then grabbed Mr O’Donnell, “pulled his jacket over his head” and continued assaulting him. The inspector added that Mr O’Donnell had been “saved” by the defendant’s friend who managed to stop him.
The court heard that in his statement Flores said he “just snapped” and was very sorry. He added that he had been very drunk at the time.
“These are two very serious assaults. One of them happened in the A&E where sick people are treated and the injured party would have been needed,” said Judge Fahy.
Defence solicitor Adrian MacLynn agreed that the offences were serious. He said that his client had been on a long waiting list for an operation and it was finally completed in January last. Mr MacLynn said that Flores’ girlfriend has had a calming influence on him and he was now attending anger and alcohol management. He added that Flores has taken a “U-turn in his life” and was willing to pay compensation if given time.
Judge Fahy adjourned the case to February 4, 2009, for €3,000 to be paid to each of the two injured parties. If this is done and he doesn’t come to Garda notice a suspended sentence will be imposed.
