This article is from page 14 of the 2012-06-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A MAN who a Judge said “created mayhem” in a public house in Quin has received a six-month prison sentence.
Kalem Wilkie (23) with an address at 126 Kilnasoolagh Park, Newmarket on Fergus appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
He pleaded guilty to provoking a breach of the peace and causing criminal damage at the Monk’s Well Pub in Quin on March 3 (2012).
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage arising out of an incident at Kilnasoolagh Park on May 8 (2011).
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that Mr Wilkie had been drinking with friends in the Monk’s Well when a dispute broke out in the smoking area of the pub. He said the accused was intoxicated and became involved in a row.
The Gardaí were called after a window was broken, the court heard.
Insp Kennedy said an ambulance was also called as Mr Wilkie had cut his hand. He said the accused refused to leave with the ambulance and was subsequently detained in a garda car.
Insp Kennedy told the court that Mr Wilkie broke a door panel of a house in Kilnasoolagh Park using a pitchfork between 5pm and 6pm on May 8 (2011).
He said there had been issue between Mr Wilkie and the occupier of the house prior to the incident.
He added, “Mr Wilkie got possession of a pitchfork and took revenge on the door.”
Referring to the incident in Newmarket on Fergus, solicitor Thomas Kiely said there had been a row between his client and his then partner.
He said Mr Wilkie had been intoxicated on the day and had since paid 150 euros compensation for the damage.
In relation to the incident at the Monk’s Well, Mr Kiely said his client had taken a number of tablets along with alcohol. He said Mr Wilkie was sorry for the inconvenience he had caused to staff, gardaí and ambulance personnel.
Mr Kiely said his client wished to pay compensation.
The court heard that the accused has 21 previous convictions.
Judge Patrick Durcan said Mr Wilkie had “created mayhem” in the Monk’s Well and had abused gardaí and wasted the time of the State.
He continued; “All of the organs of the State were called to deal with this drunken bowsy on the date in question.”
He imposed prison sentences totaling six months and fined Mr Wilkie 200 euros.
Recogances were fixed in the event of appeals.
Judge Durcan added; “The day is gone when people can wander around the county of Clare with pitchforks, going into pubs tanked up and putting their elbow through windows.”