Man who threatened to stab garda after he was refused entry to Eddie Rockets is 'not a bad person'

Anton McArdle (33) told a court: "I'm homeless, I'm not a bad person" when he admitted threatening and abusive behaviour.

McArdle was given an 18-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court after he pleaded guilty to the charge, along with a series of other offences including garda obstruction and criminal damage.

A garda sergeant told Judge Paula Murphy the accused was seen at Duke Street on September 5, 2020, approaching patrons of a nearby restaurant, demanding money.

When the garda asked him to stop, McArdle threatened to murder and stab him. He resisted arrest and spat in the cell area of the garda patrol van.

On June 23, 2020, he kicked a Covid-19 sign, causing €60 of damage.

On July 28, he threw a chair at the front of Eddie Rockets, South Anne Street, causing €200 of damage after he was refused entry to use the toilets.

McArdle threw a sandwich board to the ground outside a pub and punched a wall-mounted hand sanitiser at Starbucks.

He was arrested for begging and harassing people eating meals outside at Fade Street on August 25.

"I'm homeless, I'm not a bad person," McArdle told the court.