‘Disgusting act’ triggers suspended sentences

THE judge at Cavan District Court has told a Kingscourt man that the way he damaged a garda cell by “defecating, urinating and smearing faeces on the cell door and surrounding cell wall” was a “very disgusting act”.

The court on May 28 heard how gardaí received a call from Nathan Johnston’s mother about her son who was “going mad” around her house on September 26 last.

When officers entered the house Johnston was “clearly intoxicated” and “stood up to guards”, Garda Doran said in his evidence.

The member said Johnston of Cluain Dara, Kingscourt, continued to be abusive and aggressive as he was taken to Bailieborough Garda Station where he defecated on the cell floor and “spread it round the door glass and wall”.

The judge was told that Johnston received two four-month prison sentences in the circuit court on November 7, 2024, for criminal damage and public order convictions but these were suspended for two years.

The 24-year-old also has previous convictions for theft and assault for which he was placed under a supervision order.

“There’s a lot to be triggered here,” Judge Raymond Finnegan remarked, asking Johnston’s solicitor about the €500 cleaning fee.

Catherine Taaffe said her client had come to court with a packed bag fully expecting to be going to prison “but I’m just suggesting we go another route”, she said.

“He will pay. If you give him time,” Ms Taaffe said. “He’s currently under a probation supervision order and I just think if he gets help with his addictions – because he clearly can’t do it himself – the 24-month order will be up in November and we’re not going to get far by jailing him.

“His family are very supportive of him,” the solicitor added.

“That’s great to hear,” Judge Finnegan said, “but how many convictions has he had in the past 16 months including this very disgusting act?”

In the end, Judge Finnegan sentenced Johnston to five months in prison and remanded him on bail on his own bond of €100 to attend Cavan District Court on June 11 under section 99 of the Criminal Justice Act where a decision will be made on the original custodial sentences.