Offaly man threatened to break windows of house and shouted at Gardai

A CLARA defendant was charged with threatening to smash the windows of a house, during the May 14 sitting of Tullamore Court.

Before the court was Paul Fitzpatrick, 20 Garran an Caisleain, Clara. He was charged with saying he would break the windows of a house in Clara on March 17 last.

He was also charged with intoxication and threatening behaviour at the same address on the same date.

He was charged as well with trespass on the curtilage of 13 Cluain Fia on the same date and with being in possession of an “article which had a blade or which was sharply pointed.”

Sgt Brendan Kearns said the defendant was “shouting and agitated. He shouted at the Gardaí, 'Don't come near me you c***s.'

The Gardaí had no choice but to use pepper spray on him. The Guards had been called by the person living in 13 Cluain Fia. She said Mr Fitzpatrick began banging on one of the windows of the house threatening to smash the windows.”

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The defendant had 16 previous convictions including criminal damage, handling stolen property and robbery.

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin said this happened during the time of the birthday party of Mr Fitzpatrick's ten year old child; “and his ex-partner wouldn't let him in and he negatively reacted. He was very upset at the time. He apologises for his behaviour.” Mr Martin said his client suffers from mental health issues.

Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case to May 28 for a Victim Impact Report.

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