Th defendant tried to light himself and police on fire
“Today’s a great day to die for Ireland” was what a Lisnaskea man said who tried to set himself and police on fire, in a case heard at Fermanagh Magistrates Court.
38-year-old Paul McDermott from Newbridge Road, Lisnaskea faced two counts of assaulting police, two counts of resisting police and arson.
The prosecutor told the court that on October 27, 2012 Fire service and police were in the Newtownbutler area where they encountered the defendant drunk and extremely agitated, shouting “f*** off”.
He then ignited a spark from his right hand and lit the grass beside him starting a fire which was quickly extinguished by the fire service.
McDermott then raised a petrol can and said: “Today’s a good day to die for Ireland.” He then began to pour petrol on his hair. Police tried to talk to McDermott and calm him down, but the defendant continued to be abusive.
McDermott then lunged towards the police with a lighter and the petrol can and was subsequently brought to the ground by police. He was arrested and cautioned to which he made no reply.
In interview McDermott was uncooperative and made no comment to questions. The charges of assault were in the form of the lunges towards police officers.
Brian Charity, defending, said that his client was “completely out of it” due to a mixture of drugs and alcohol and that he had been hospitalised lately. He had also not been taking his medication which may also have been a contributing factor.
In apologising on behalf of his defendant Mr Charity explained that in a struggle with police, they were attempting to save the defendant from himself and noted that no physical injuries were suffered.
The damage to the grass was also minimal, being described by Mr Charity as “just scorched” and since that time full restitution had been made for the damages. He also noted that his client was focused on treatment for his addictions and was attending meetings on a regular basis.
He asked that the judge not activate the existing suspended sentence imposed on the defendant.
District Judge Liam McNally noted that the last time he had met the defendant he had convicted him of criminal damage and sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months “and here you are again committing further offences.”
Mindful of sending McDermott to prison he said he would give him another chance and provided he committed no further offences, cooperated with services responsible for his addiction treatment and provided up to date reports he would not be sent to prison.
If he failed however in any of the conditions the judge said the suspended sentence would be activated and in addition to the charges in front of him the defendant would serve a total of 12 months in prison.
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