Ennis man made 134 emergency calls

A 33-YEAR-OLD man, who has pleaded guilty to making a large number of calls to various emergency services last year, has been warned that he is facing an 18 to 19-month prison sentence if he does it again.

Richard McDermott, with an address at 6 St Flannan’s Terrace, Ennis, is charged with making 134 calls to emergency services on dates between July 25, 2015 and September 27, 2015.

He was further charged with public intoxication on July 29, 2016.

The calls involved were placed to various emergency numbers, including 999, the ambulance control base, Ennis Garda Station and Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client, who admits the charges, is a “very vulnerable person”.

She outlined how some of the assistance he is getting from the Brothers of Charity had been withdrawn.
Judge Patrick Durcan said he wanted McDermott to give an undertaking under oath that he would not make these calls again.

Judge Durcan advised McDermott that the country has “scarce resources” and that the emergency services are there for emergencies.

He said he was aware McDermott had “difficulties” but warned him that he would face a prison sentence of between 18 to 19 months if he breached the undertaking and called the emergency services.

An order was made for a probation report to be prepared and the matter was adjourned to January 25 next.