Homeless man threw keg through Simon window

A homeless man who threw a keg through a window at a Simon accommodation centre in Cork was urged to get help for his ongoing drink problem.

John Rooney, 48, admitted picking up the beer keg and hurling it through the Simon window at Anderson’s Quay, Cork.

Inspector Michael McGuire said: “With the service providers in the news it is an awful way to treat them.”

The inspector added that Rooney’s second offence was also of concern in that he kicked a wing mirror of a brand new 2014-registered car parked nearby and belonging to someone visiting the city and staying at Jury’s Inn.

The criminal damage to the car was committed on May 20 and the criminal damage to Simon was caused on July 7. On both occasions, Rooney had been told by staff at Simon that he would have to wait some time before being admitted.

Donal Daly, solicitor, said: “He was living rough as a result of these incidents. He was banned from Simon for some time. He is back in good standing with them now.”

Judge Olann Kelleher said, “I know this man has difficulties but of all the places (Simon) to be breaking windows.”

Rooney had been living in a bedsit at Mount Verdon Terrace, Wellington, Cork, but lost that accommodation because, he said he “wasn’t allowed to bring in friends”.

He told Judge Kelleher: “I have an alcohol problem, I have tuberculosis in my lungs, I have tinnitus in my ears and I have a liver infection.”

The judge responded, “That would not cause you to be throwing a keg through a window.”

“What are you doing about your drinking?” the judge asked. Rooney, who is originally from Dublin, said: “I am cutting down, it’s too dear, it is too expensive.”

The judge said: “You are not getting help?” Rooney replied: “I don’t want it, thanks. I have come off heroin, I have been through it. My partner died this time last year. I don’t know where my children are. It would drive you to drink.”

The judge said he was concerned the defendant was going to commit similar offences elsewhere and urged him to get help. Judge Kelleher said he did not want Rooney leaving the court without any arrangement made for him to get help.

The matter was adjourned until later in the day and a probation officer attended court to say he would work with the defendant. Rooney said he would work with probation. Judge Kelleher said: “Do, and have a good Christmas.”

Sentencing was adjourned until the end of January and the judge told Rooney that he was not at risk of prison.