Pass the Kleenex Charity donation for man pulled tissue dispenser from wall at garda station

A FATHER-of-two pulled a tissue dispenser from a garda station wall when he became "very irate" after being thrown out of his city centre hostel and arrested, a court heard.

James Murphy (38) had "reacted poorly" to a fellow resident refusing to stop taking drugs when he caused a public order disturbance.

Judge Bryan Smyth said he would strike the charges out if Murphy paid for the €50 damage and made a €200 charity donation.

Murphy, of College Manor, Drumcondra, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, failing to follow garda directions and criminal damage.

Dublin District Court heard gardaí went to Amiens Street last November 19 after the accused had been ejected from a premises because he was threatening and abusive to staff.

He refused to leave, made a lunge and was pepper-sprayed before being arrested.

At Store Street garda station, the accused became "very irate" and pulled a tissue dispenser from the wall.

He was eventually subdued.

Murphy, who worked with a transport company, separated from his wife and went into homeless accommodation, his solicitor Matthew de Courcy said.

Someone else had been taking drugs in the hostel, and when the accused asked this person to stop they would not and Murphy "reacted very poorly."

"He's a good man who has taken a step in the wrong direction," Mr de Courcy told the court.

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Online Editors