Man spat at officer during John Street incident

A Public Prosecution Service solicitor told the court how police received a report that Patrick Farren, of Grafton Street, was asleep in the doorway of Damien House at around 1.30am.

Mr Farren was “extremely intoxicated” and became abusive to staff, the court heard. When police approached, the defendant made a movement towards a vehicle, threatening to jump in front of it, the PPS solicitor said. He proceeded to spit on the arm and shoulder of one of the arresting officers when he was being escorted into the police vehicle, the court was told.

A defence solicitor said Mr Farren suffered from mental health difficulties and had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. He said his client had also asked that he apologise to the arresting officer on his behalf.

District Judge Barney McElholm said he appreciated Mr Farren’s difficulties but said that he imposed these on other people, suggesting the defendant would find it easier to cope if he refrained from drinking. He said he went beyond verbal abuse by spitting at the police officer.

He described this as “nasty behaviour” and, deferring sentencing until March 31, 2017, explained that Mr Farren would find himself in custody if he reoffended between now and then.