Court told Tipperary man urinated and defecated in a garda station

A man who defecated and urinated in a garda station waiting area has appeared before Thurles District Court.

Mateuz Margol (35) of 1 St Bridget’s Terrace, Abbey Road, Thurles, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour, criminal damage and being intoxicated in a public place at Thurles Garda Station on April 30, 2022.

The defendant was also charged and pleaded guilty to theft of alcohol valued at €14.75 at Supervalu, Friar Street Thurles on February 12, 2022.

Garda Station

The arresting garda told the court that on April 30, 2022, he was on duty at Thurles Garda Station. He observed the defendant in the waiting area urinating and defecating on the floor before sitting down on a seat.

When the guard approached him, the man said: “F**k you. Take off your uniform, and I’ll fight you.”

The guard arrested the man, the court heard.

The court was also told that a professional cleaner had to be hired to clean up the mess. The cost of the cleaner was €225.

The defendant had four previous convictions for public order offences. Alcohol issues Solicitor for the defendant, JJ Fitzgerald, told the court that his client had “serious alcohol issues” and was engaging with the Anna Liffey programme.
He said his client is back to work and living in Nenagh.

Theft

Gardaí told the court that on February 12, 2022, they received a report of theft from the owner of Barry’s Supervalu, Thurles.

When they went to the shop, they were told that a male had stolen alcohol valued at €14.75.

The court heard that the gardaí viewed the CCTV footage from the shop and recognised the defendant.

Mr Fitzgerald told the court that his client had gone back to the shop the next day and paid for the item.

Put back Judge Elizabeth MacGrath said while his paperwork suggested he had been assessed by the Anna Liffey programme, there was no evidence he had engaged since.

She said there was also the matter of compensation for the cost of the professional cleaner.

She put the matter back until May 7 for the man to pay compensation and to confirm that he is working with the Anna Liffey programme.