Man jailed for 'unacceptable' behaviour at Waterford A&E

A man has been given a two-month prison sentence for “unacceptable” behaviour in A&E.

The man (30s), who is an asylum seeker and cannot be named for legal reasons, was before Waterford District Court charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at University Hospital Waterford in early January of this year, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

The court was told that gardaí responded to the incident in the A&E department, where an intoxicated male was “shouting abuse” at people in the waiting room.

The court was told that the man has three previous convictions.

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said his client is from Saudi Arabia and currently seeking asylum.

He told the court that his client has issues with alcoholism, but his record has been limited to public order offences.

Mr Delahunty acknowledged his client was “trying the patience of the court” but has left Waterford and asked the judge to give him a chance to avoid another conviction.

However, Judge Kevin Staunton said no and imposed a two-month prison sentence.

“It is unacceptable to turn up to an A&E and behave in the way he did,” said Judge Staunton.

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