Limerick beggar with fake handgun guilty of 'monumental stupidity' says solicitor
A LIMERICK man who admitted harassing people for money and cigarettes using a fake handgun was sentenced to six months in prison this Wednesday.
At Limerick District Court Jason Lysaght, 30, of Convent Street pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on September 19, 2009.
Insp Seamus Gallagher, Henry Street, said gardai were on routine patrol at O'Connell Street when they noticed the defendant acting suspiciously.
The court was told that Mr Lysaght was observed by Garda Vincent Brick approaching members of the public and demanding cigarettes and money from them. The defendant also pleaded guilty to possession of a replica Sig Sauer handgun for the purpose of intimidation on the same date.
During the same court sitting Jason Lysaght also pleaded guilty to a number of other offences. He admitted verbally abusing the manager of Bank of Ireland O'Connell Street last October after he was asked to stop begging outside the premises. He was also abusive towards gardai when they arrived in the area.
The most recent incident happened at Patrick Street on June 5 last. On that occasion gardai were called to a disturbance on 8.30am. "When gardai arrived they found the defendant lying on the street and he was very intoxicated," said Insp Gallagher.
Solicitor John Devane, representing Jason Lysaght, said his client came from a large family and he said he has a serious alcohol problem. Mr Devane acknowledged that his client has a number of previous convictions and he said most of them were related to his abuse of alcohol.
Urging the court to be lenient Mr Devane said Mr Lysaght's actions were "foolish and stupid" and he said: "It was an act of monumental stupidity."
Imposing sentence Judge O'Donnell said the firearms offence was very serious. He imposed concurrent jail sentences totalling six months in prison and he backdated the sentences to August 4 last.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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