Kildare man jailed for threats to charity worker

A MAN who threatened to kill a charity shop worker thanked the judge when he handed him down a nine month prison sentence at a recent hearing in Naas District Court.

The court heard how Patrick O’Brien (29) with an address in the Abbey car park, Clane Road, Celbridge went into the Vincent de Paul shop in the Greenfield Shopping Centre in Maynooth on 10 June last where he threatened the female worker.

“He said he would kill her,” said Sergeant Mary Meade. “He was abusive to other staff, he was asked to leave and he didn’t like that. 

He said he would stab her, and do something to her car. She was afraid and called the guards.” 

As Mr O’Brien had already pleaded guilty to the offence, Sgt Meade could reveal that he had 107 previous convictions, “mostly road traffic offences, and public order”.

“My client asked me to offer an apology to the injured party, and the garda assures me he words were idle threats,” said defending solicitor David Powderley.

“He was drunk at the time, and is very apologetic.

"He was living in a caravan at the time and was drinking to excess.

“He pleaded guilty today, within a week of being charged."

“That’s serious enough,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan, ruling as outlined.

“I will backdate this to 20 January (when he pleaded guilty), and I’ll set a bond of €500 for appeal,” he added.

“Thanks, judge,” said Mr O’Brien as he was led away.