Dundalk court: Retired An Post worker verbally abusive to members of public and gardai

A retired An Post worker whose life spiralled after the death of terminally ill partner, began verbally abusing members of An Garda Síochana and members of the public, including school children who were waiting for their bus, Dundalk District Court heard last week.

Judge John Brennan was told that gardaí who'd received a report of a man causing a disturbance at McDonald's Drive-thru restaurant, were directed to the nearby bus stop where a man wearing a pink cap was identified as the person involved.

The investigating Garda gave evidence that Brian Fitzpatrick (60) of no fixed abode said "F*** off home you black b******" to a manager of the fast food outlet.

The court heard the defendant had 47 previous convictions and two from Laganside Magistrates Court in February for common assault and disorderly behaviour .

The Defence solicitor explained that his client is originally from Dublin and had worked for An Post for 30 years, but has been based in the Athlone area.

He explained he had been in hospital and was discharged two days previously and was on his way to Belfast when there was unfortunately antisocial behaviour on the train, which he got off in Dundalk to avoid.  

The solicitor added that his client had been sober for three years but had resumed drinking a number of months ago.

He outlined how Mr. Fitzpatrick, who he described as quite a tragic individual, had a bad reaction after mixing alcohol with the medication he is  taking.

The court heard he had recently been evicted from his accommodation in Athlone and is estranged from his adult son.

When Judge Brennan asked when Mr. Fitzpatrick's partner had died, he replied "In 2010. It's about the time I took early retirement".

The judge said it was a nasty enough incident but he was satisfied a suspended sentence is appropriate. 

He imposed a three month sentence for using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, which he suspended on him entering a €400 bond to be of good behaviour for 12 months and on condition that he attends the Probation Service where he gets accommodation, within seven days, and complies with all of their directions.

A charge of being intoxicated in a public place was taken into consideration.