Dad became abusive at birthday party, court told

Andrew Phelan

A FATHER-of-two who refused to leave a 30th birthday party in an hotel when told to because of his abusive behaviour has been given a suspended sentence.

Paul Gorman (34) had been on strong painkiller medication for a back problem until the day before the incident, when he was arrested after he failed to move on.

Judge Ann Watkin gave him a two-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court.

Gorman, with an address at Owensilla, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to failing to obey garda directions at the Carlton Hotel, Swords Road, Santry on August 11 last.

The court heard he was intoxicated, verbally abusive to staff and refused to leave when asked. He had a large number of previous convictions for public order, criminal damage, motoring and other offences.

He had been out of trouble for the last seven years.

At the time, Gorman had suffered a slipped disc and had been on medication – Lidocaine patches - which he ceased to take the day before.

MEDICATION

He attended 30th birthday celebrations, was not there very long and had not intended to drink, his barrister said. However, he did have a number of pints and did not remember the incident.

Gorman should have known well that the medication would stay in his system and should not have been drinking at all, Judge Watkin said.

hnews@herald.ie