Longford defendant tells Judge: 'If I get jail, I won't be able for it'

A father of 16 who has “turned a corner in his life” after racking up 118 previous convictions was given the benefit of a suspended prison sentence at Longford District Court. William McDonnell (49) of 34 College Park, Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens on five charges.

The defendant entered a plea of guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on January 25, 2021 at Mullingar General Hospital and failing to comply with Garda direction on the same date.

Pleas were also entered for driving without a divers licence on December 5, 2021 at Congress Terrace, Longford, the theft of men's clothing valued at €37 from Penneys, Longford on July 30, 2022 and the theft of clothes valued at €70 from Dunnes Stores Longford on October 20, 2022.

Addressing the judge Mr McDonnell said: “I have been in and out of jail for the best part of my life and I am very, very sorry. I've had enough of it. I have lost my future and have done wrong, but I don't want to be here ever again.”

Solicitor John Connellan described his client as being “particularly down on his luck”. Mr Connellan added: “His son died last year and this has had a profound effect on Mr McDonnell.”

Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court the defendant has 118 previous convictions, primarily for road traffic and drug possession offences.

Mr Connellan said, “My client does have a history of drug use, but he has turned a corner in his life.”

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The court was told Mr McDonnell has previously lived in a caravan at Ballyminion, Athlone Road, Longford, but now engages with St Vincent de Paul and lives in St Martha's Hostel in Longford town.

Acknowledging his “appalling record” Mr McDonnell said he no longer takes drugs, but added: “I'll be honest, I do still smoke a bit of weed,” before asking Judge Owens for a 'final chance'.

Mr Connellen put forward the case for giving his client getting an opportunity to stay away from crime and be an upstanding member of society. “This is the first time we have had a report from any care worker who has a positive thing to say about Mr McDonnell,” the solicitor said regarding a care workers report on the defendant.

Mr Connellan said the father of eight sons and eight daughters was endeavouring to establish a relationship with his children. He acknowledged that the defendant's wife received a three month custodial sentence for her part in one of the offences before the court.

Referring to his health status Mr McDonnell said: “If I get jail, I won't be able for it.”

Judge Owens referenced the defendant's “extensive previous conviction” and also his “significant health issues” in her summation of the case. She said: “I know Mr McDonnell has made considerable progress with regard to the role he should be playing in the lives of his children, because of this I am prepared to give him one final opportunity.”

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The judge registered a conviction and and sentence the defendant to six month in prison for the public order charge at Mullingar Hospital, but suspended it for 18 months on the defendant own bond of €250.

A further suspended sentence of four months was imposed concurrent to the first convictions for the insurance charge which also attracted a disqualification from driving for a period of 20 years. All other matters were taken into consideration.

Judge Owens concluded by saying: “You should be going to jail. You are getting a suspended sentence, this is your one chance. If you return before this court you will most likely be going into custody.”