An alcoholic schizophrenic Westmeath resident who threw missiles at gardai during the 2006 "Love Ulster" parade riot has been given a three year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
John Saunders (40 ) was representing himself in court following an unsuccessful application last July to change his plea to "not guilty" after evidence was heard in the case in December 2007.
Saunders, of Galway Road, Kinnegad, pleaded guilty to violent disorder on February 22, 2006 in the city centre.
Saunders told Judge Desmond Hogan that he disputed some evidence that had been outlined at previous hearings and said he became "caught up" in the events of the day when he went to Parnell Street to buy alcohol.
Saunders said he saw the "riot squad" on O'Connell Street dispersing crowds and admitted throwing stones at gardai. He said his 24 previous convictions were "all from drink".
Judge Hogan said he had photographic evidence of Saunders’ involvement in the riot but was taking into account a letter handed into court by Saunders. He said that he accepted Saunders felt he had got caught up in the situation rather then being an organiser of events.
Judge Hogan imposed a three year sentence with the final year suspended on strict conditions. He ordered Saunders to attend an alcohol and drug treatment program on his release.
Garda Fergal O'Flaherty told prosecuting counsel, Mr Vincent Heneghan BL, that Saunders was photographed by journalists on Lower O'Connell Street throwing missiles and "standing in a confrontational stance”. Garda O'Flaherty said following the riots Saunders got away but he was arrested when he was spotted by chance while crossing the road in Mullingar.
Saunders admitted to gardai he had been on O'Connell Street that day but said he was not involved with Republican Sinn Fein who organised the demonstration.
At the December 2007 hearing Saunders then defence counsel, Mr Sean Gillane BL, said his client had been diagnosed with serious mental health problems, including schizophrenia, and also suffered from alcoholism.
