A student who trashed a newsagent’s and spat in the shop assistant’s face after he was unable to cash a winning scratch card to get money for a taxi home, has appeared in court charged with assault.
Donal Murray (19) assaulted an employee and left the shop in disarray when his behaviour “spiralled out of control”.
Judge William Early adjourned the case against him at Dublin District Court for payment of compensation for the damage he caused.
He said he would consider leaving him without a criminal record.
Murray, with an address at Willow Park Close, Glasnevin, pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage and breach of the peace at Coleman’s newsagent, Westmoreland Street on December 15 last year.
The court heard the accused went to the shop at 3.30am, approached the counter and asked to cash-in a winning scratch card. The staff member told him the machine was locked and he would have to either return the next day or go to another outlet.
Marray who Became abusive and spat in the staff members face.
THE SHOP ASSISTANT TRIED TO APPREHEND HIM AND MURRAY KNOCKED OVER MERCHANDISE, PUSHING THE STAFF MEMBER INTO A CARD STAND.
The struggle continued and he knocked over more stands until the shop was “quite messed up”, a garda said.