A MAN with 25 convictions will kill or injure someone on his release, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told yesterday. The claim was made about Michael Dunne when a four year suspended sentence was imposed for an incident at the Bridewell Garda station.
Dunne (28), a father of one, of Pearse House, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assaulting Sgt Seamus Gallagher and causing criminal damage in the Garda station on April 25th, 1996.
Judge Kieran O'Connor said that while he accepted Sgt Gallagher's evidence, he would now give Dunne one chance to change his life. When released Dunne is to remain under probation supervision and keep the peace or serve the full term.
Sgt Gallagher said Dunne was agitated when he arrived at the Bridewell. He was allowed to leave his cell to get a drink of water. However, he made no effort to get it and backed into a corner, claimed to have AIDS and threatened to take "lumps" out of the gardai. He also ripped a foot bath from its fixtures and said: "Today, I'm going to kill a screw or a pig". Sgt Gallagher also told Ms Melanie Greally, prosecuting, Dunne spat in his eye and said: "I'll give you the virus yet".
Defence counsel Mr Luigi Rea said his client claimed he had only lifted the bath from bars supporting it and had not ripped it from the base as claimed.
Sgt Gallagher agreed he had spoken to a detective who "expressed a view which could be prejudicial".
Pressed by Mr Rea on this, Sgt Gallagher replied: "Basically, he was of the opinion Mr Dunne will kill someone on his release. I hold the same opinion".