The actions of a man who, when arrested for being intoxicated, ripped the mattress of a bed in a garda cell and urinated against the cell door, was described by Judge Mary Devins as being “revolting”.
On January 18 this year at 4.15am, Garda Audrey Garvey arrived at The Brook, Ballina, after gardaí were informed that a dispute had taken place. Robert Cawley, 20 Lord Edward Street, Ballina, was observed to be intoxicated and he was roaring and shouting.
When arrested, Cawley was uncooperative and in the cell he ripped open the mattress and pulled the foam out. He was also observed urinating against the cell door.
Solicitor John Gordon said that the defendant, who has previous convictions, had so far paid €150 by way of compensation for the damage caused to the mattress. Cawley told the court that he is now trying to stay off drink.
Judge Devins said that she wished that it was in her jurisdiction that Cawley “could scrub down the cell door” instead of someone else cleaning up his mess.
The judge said that this man was on the “verge of going into chaos” and remanded him on continuing bail to November 23 for sentencing. The balance outstanding of €70 for damage caused to the mattress is to also be paid and the prosecution have the liberty to re-enter.
