A man convicted of assaulting a security guard outside a supermarket in Waterford city was recently handed a prison sentence.
Ionut Chirita (35) of no fixed abode, was brought before a sitting of Waterford District Court last month, presided over by Judge Kevin Staunton. He was produced in court from prison to face a charge of assault causing harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
Sergeant Michael Hickey told the court that on 4 November 2024, Gardaí were called to the Lidl store on the Tramore Road after receiving a report of an assault. Sgt Hickey outlined that after several customers complained about a man, identified as the accused, begging outside the store, a security guard asked him to leave the area.
However, the Sergeant said the accused failed to do this, and became ‘abusive’ to the security guard, before punching him in the face. The security guard suffered ‘slight’ injuries, and made a full recovery after the incident.
It was noted in court that the accused has 24 previous convictions that are unrelated to this matter. He has been on remand in custody since February of this year for other matters.
During a previous court appearance earlier in March, the accused was produced in court and had been represented by solicitor Hilary Delahunty. Judge Staunton put the matter back for a victim impact statement to be prepared, and as the accused was being led from the dock, he lunged forward at Mr. Delahunty – which was witnessed by many in court, including the media.
Mr. Delahunty moved out of the way, and the accused was taken away by several prison officers who acted swiftly.
However, during the recent court proceedings, solicitor Derrick Connors represented the accused after informing Judge Staunton that he was asked to take over the case.
The Judge asked the prison officers that were present to stand on both sides of the accused while he sat in the dock.
Mr. Connors told the court that on the day his client was begging in order to feed himself and his young family, as he had no money.
The solicitor added that according to the accused, the security guard spoke to him in an ‘abrupt’ way, and he ended up lashing out because he was hungry.
Mr. Connors concluded by highlighting that his client apologises for his actions. It was also noted in court that the security guard declined to provide a victim impact statement.
Judge Staunton said that the accused’s behaviour was “inexcusable” and a “nuisance”, adding that it was “not acceptable for a man doing his job to get punched in the face for his trouble.”
The Judge handed the accused a nine month prison sentence for the matter, which will be backdated to when he entered custody in February.
Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
