Letterkenny man escapes jail term after hospital outburst - Donegal News

Thomas McDonagh avoids custodial sentence

A Letterkenny man who hurled abuse at gardaí and caused serious disruption at the emergency department of Letterkenny University Hospital has walked free from court with a suspended sentence, despite having more than a hundred previous convictions.

Thomas McDonagh (45), of Canal Road, Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny, appeared before Letterkenny District Court in connection with an incident in the early hours of November 13, 2019, when gardaí were called to the hospital at 12.02am, following reports of a man causing serious disturbance to staff.

When Gardaí approached McDonagh, he turned on them, becoming abusive and shouting and roaring in a threatening manner, he directed a foul-mouthed slur at one of the gardaí on the scene, the court heard.

Solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher told the court that McDonagh had not appeared before the courts in seven years and had made significant progress, having tackled a long-standing alcohol addiction.

Judge Emile Daly acknowledged the progress made but said she was obliged to take into account the sheer volume of McDonagh’s previous convictions before imposing sentence.

Judge Daly handed down a one-month prison sentence, which she suspended for 12 months. McDonagh was also fined €200 and given four months to pay.

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