A Donegal man was arrested twice in just six hours for public order offences at Letterkenny University Hospital.
District Court Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said the behaviour of Seamus McBride, a 34-year-old of Moyle View, Milford, was “not acceptable on any level”.
Inspector Seamus McGonigle outlined the matter at Falcarragh District Court.
On June 16, 2024 at 1.20am, Gardai responded to a report about an intoxicated male in the car park of Letterkenny University Hospital.
Security staff at the hospital said McBride was not allowed in due to his level of intoxication and also his behaviour, which was described as being “aggressive and abusive”. McBride was said to have removed bandages from cuts and cursed at Gardai when they arrived.
Gardai ordered McBride to desist from the behaviour, but he failed to comply and continued to insult officers. McBride told the Gardai that he would “put his feckin’ head through them”, Inspector McGonigle said.
Handcuffs had to be used in the course of arresting McBride, who was conveyed to Letterkenny Garda Station.
McBride was treated by paramedics in the garda station and had to be taken a second time to Letterkenny University Hospital.
At 6.55am, Gardai received a further call for assistance at LUH. McBride, who was unsteady on his feet, was using abusive and threatening language with members of the public, including children, in close proximity.
McBride actively resisted arrest and was taken to Letterkenny Garda Station.
The court also heard that Gardai responded to a report of an intoxicated male lying on the floor at Max’s Cafe, Main Street, Milford, at 4.40pm on October 28, 2013.
McBride was unable to stand and was described as being “extremely intoxicated”. A fixed charge penalty notice was issued, but was unpaid.
Inspector McGonigle told the court that McBride has 19 previous convictions.
Mr Gordon Curley, solicitor for McBride, said it was “painful” for a number of people who have “put a lot of work into” the accused man over the years.
“He did very well for a period and wasn’t before the courts,” Mr Curley said.
He said that his client has suffered an injury to his leg in 2019 and needs a further operation having undergone two previously. McBride, his solicitor said, had to give up work a year ago and also had to deal with two personal tragedies.
“He started taking drugs for the pain he was in and that gradually escalated to drinking and now we’re back in the same cycle we were in pre-2020,” Mr Curley said.
“He knows that his behaviour is not acceptable, especially in the hospital. He is apologetic and he has made contact with the alcoholic services to try to get back on track. He is making active efforts.”
Judge Cunningham directed that a probation and welfare report, to consider community service, be prepared for McBride and adjourned the case until June 18, 2025 for finalisation.
“The court does not accept that behaviour in any setting, especially where people are ill,” Judge Cunningham said. “Medical staff are under such significant pressure. For them to have to leave patients who are so in need of their help to deal with someone who is drunk, aggressive and interfering with that is just not acceptable on any level.
“Nobody should behave in that manner anywhere but particularly in a hospital setting.”