Letterkenny Courthouse.
A 23-year-old man was highly intoxicated when he threatened a publican and told her he would burn down the pub on St Stephen’s Day.
Before Letterkenny District Court was Johnny McDonagh of The Big Isle and 12 (A) Glendale Manor, Letterkenny who pleaded guilty to three charges of public order.
He made the remarks to Mary McFadden of The Lagan Inn in Manorcunningham on December 26th last and was charged with intoxication and threatening behaviour.
Garda Inspector Michael Harrison told the court that on St Stephen’s Day gardai received a report of a disturbance at the Lagan Inn. When they arrived they saw McDonagh walking across the road.
He was extremely intoxicated and had threatened the licencee he
would burn her down.
“He also told her he would assault her in a certain way,” Inspector Harrison said.
“She was genuinely in fear,” he added.
The court also heard that on March 20 gardai were called to a disturbance at Glendale Manor at 12.44 am.
Inspector Harrisson said McDonagh was lying on the road extremely intoxicated and became aggressive and kicked out at gardai when they tried to arrest him.
On May 29 his mother Mrs Kathleen McDonagh requested gardai to attend the halting site at the Big Isle. Johnny McDonagh was again highly intoxicated and she was in a distressed state.
The court heard McDonagh had previous convictions for criminal damage, public order and assault.
Mr Frank Dorrian, Solicitor, said McDonagh was a young man who struggled with alcohol.
“He is riseable enough at the best of times but alcohol sets him off,” he said.
Mr Dorrian said that in all three cases McDonagh was highly intoxicated.
“He’s changed his lifestyle and is now playing football for the local club and boxing training. He is not drinking at the moment, but is a troubled individual,” Mr Dorrian said.
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case until December 21 for a Community Service Report.
“Any problems in the meantime will influence that,” he warned.
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