A 60-year-old man who caused a disturbance in a dentist’s surgery after he was refused treatment, had a two month prison sentence adjourned until July in the District Court last week (March 10 ) to see if he can come up with €500 in compensation by then.
The court heard how Michael McGillan, with an address on the Roscommon Road, Athlone but formerly from Tyrone had made an appointment at the practice on Mardyke Street on January 20 but when he presented for the treatment the next day he was refused to be seen “because he had alcohol taken”, according to Superintendent Aidan Glacken.
For the defence, Mr Tony McLynn explained how his client was “certified disabled” and had been on prescribed medication on the day in question.
“He was returning to the dentists with a doctor’s letter. He had some time to kill and went for a few pints,” said Mr McLynn.
“He got frustrated and vented his spleen. The dentist wasn’t having any of it and called the Gardai.
“He regrets his behaviour on the day in question because he wasn’t going to be seen.”
In mitigation, Mr McLynn explained how his client was a separated man with two grown up children, and had been living in Athlone for five years. He had two previous convictions for theft in Donegal and was living on his disabiltiy allowance.
“Like A&E or church, a dentist’s surgery is a sanctuary,” said Judge John Neilan.
“Can you imagine being in an intensive care ward and someone in that condition like you turning up? How would you like it?” he asked McGillan.
“I wouldn’t like it,” conceded the defendant.
The judge then sentenced him to two months in prison, adjourning it until July 14 “to see if he could bring €500 along to the surgery”.
“And they can decide what to do with it - give it to charity or spend it on aspirins to deal with the Mr McGillans,” said the judge.
“Cheques will not be accepted.”
