Bad Santa gets fine for court damage
Moving as it was to see Santa walking free at Cork District Court after three nights in Cork prison with only a few days to Christmas, there were no emotional scenes in court yesterday.
Pat Allen, 54, of 100 Pearse Road, Cork, pretended he was Santa Claus on Monday but dispensed with the traditional chimney spirit and kicked in a courtroom door at Cork District Court.
For this have-a-go Santa it emerged yesterday that it was a case of naughty and nice.
Naughty — As Inspector Pat Cadogan explained, Allen caused €100 damage to the courtroom door at 2.30pm on Monday.
Nice — As defence solicitor Catherine Kirwan explained: “He was very angry on the day but he acted in the best of motives trying to highlight the plight of homeless people.”
Allen and others were protesting outside City Hall at lunchtime and were moved on. Allen forced open the courtroom door shortly afterwards, demanding justice.
Yesterday, Allen admitted through his solicitor that he should not have acted in the way he did and he paid the €100 damages.
Judge David Riordan bound him to the peace for two years and fined him €150 for causing criminal damage.
In relation to the three days Allen spent in prison, Judge Riordan said yesterday: “He was granted bail by this court but indicated he would not take it up. He was not committed to prison.”
While the defendant was a ringer for Santa Claus on Monday with traditional red suit with white trim, a long white beard and white hair, it was quite clear yesterday it was not the real Santa Claus.
As children all over the world know, the real Santa would not kick in a courthouse door — and he certainly wouldn’t do it on Christmas week when he is preparing for Christmas.
Allen was obviously a fake Santa and yesterday he came to court wearing blue jeans, wine V-neck jumper, and purple shirt, and didn’t have a long white beard.
Allen, who has poor health, has 10 previous convictions.
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