A 23-year-old man from Belcarra, who during a drinking binge caused havoc in the TF bar and Tolster’s Bar, where he struck the bar owner on the side of the head, was before Castlebar District Court on Wednesday.
On Monday September 28 this year at 5.30pm, Garda Conor Doyle was called to Tolsters Bar, Castlebar, where a man was acting in an aggressive manner. Garda Doyle observed Vincent Joyce, Doonamona, Belcarra, inside the bar roaring and shouting. Joyce, who was intoxicated, was aggressive to Garda Doyle and had to be restrained when arrested.
The proprietor of the bar, Gerry Tolster, called to the Garda station on a later occasion, where he reported that Joyce had assaulted him on the day that the gardaí were called to the pub — the gardaí had not seen Mr Tolster on the day as he had been knocked to the ground behind the bar. Mr Tolster explained to gardaí that after he refused Joyce alcohol, as the defendant was drunk, Joyce attempted to gain access behind the bar on two occasions; kicked in the hatch, spat at Mr Tolster, and struck him on the side of the head which knocked him to the ground.
On Saturday October 3 at 12.50pm, Garda Caoimhe Walsh observed the defendant in the TF Hotel bar area shouting and being abusive towards bar staff, who were cowering in the corner of the bar. The garda saw Joyce lift the hatch to the bar and slam it down, kick over a stool, kick a slot machine, and Joyce also raised his right hand in a threatening manner to Garda Walsh.
Solicitor Lynda Lenehan said that Joyce, who has alcohol issues, has been in Hope House and went on a five day bender after his father died. The defendant is now attending AA meetings and had a letter of apology and €500 cash in court for Mr Tolster.
Judge Mary Devins said that she had little sympathy for the defendant as a lot of people deal with death and tragedy and “don’t drink to the degree or cause such damage”. The judge said his “poor father” has been used as an excuse for such “thuggish behaviour” but “long before” the defendant’s father had died Joyce received previous convictions. “Nobody tied you down on the pavement and poured alcohol into you, you did it to yourself,” the judge added.
Mr Tolster was afforded the opportunity to address the court where he said that never in 15 years had he called for garda assistance, and that “you can’t have situations where guys go on a bender” and decide to “rampage the place”.
Judge Devins said that she would remand the defendant on bail to Castlebar District Court on March 3 2010 for sentencing on the conditions that Joyce can find an appropriate amount of money to be made available to Mr Tolster, that he is not to enter any licensed premises during his remand period, and also that the prosecution has liberty to re-enter within 24 hours. Documentary evidence from Hope House aftercare was requested.
