'Verbally abusive' man given deferred sentence

Judge David McFarland told 36-year-old Desmond McClements of Rosseden Park that if in that time there was "no evidence of change" he would serve a jail term for disorderly offences committed last year.

A PPS solicitor told the court that on September 2 last McClements was questioned by police in relation to an accusation of theft. The 36 -year-old struggled with officers and told them to "f*** off" a number of times. He continued to struggle and tried to "break free" which subsequently led to him being restrained and taken into custody by police. On November 24 last, police were tasked to Supervalu on the town's Market Street after a report of an intoxicated male verbally abusing staff. On arrival police found McClements in the shop and spoke with staff who said he was "acting in an aggressive manner" and "verbally abusive".

Defence solicitor Pearse MacDermott told the court his client had "a very serious alcohol problem" and at the time of the offences had his home "destroyed in an arson attack". He went on to say McClements had now "settled down somewhat" and was getting help from his doctor to gain access into residential accommodation "to deal with his alcohol problem". Referring to the matter as "nuisance offending", Judge David McFarland told McClements defence:

"There is no evidence here before the court that this man has turned a corner"

Ordering a pre-sentence report Judge McFarland said he would defer sentencing until August 3.