Probation report sought for man who threatened to throw glass at Letterkenny gardai

A man who threatened to throw a glass at gardai while ignoring an order to leave a licenced premises in Letterkenny has appeared in court.

A probation and welfare report has been sought in the case of Philip Dodoo.

The 23-year-old, of Ard na Ri, Long Lane, Letterkenny, was before Letterkenny District Court in connection with public order incidents in the town last month.

Gardai responded to a report of an altercation outside Voodoo on August 9, 2024.

On arrival at the scene, gardai were informed by a member of the public that the person they were looking for was inside. Dodoo exited the premises and ran down into another bar.

Dodoo was described as being “highly agitated and was drunk”. When gardai approached Dodoo, he walked behind the bar and lifted a glass above his head, motioning as if he was going to throw it at the officers.

Sergeant Dalton said Dodoo repeatedly ignored requests from gardai to leave the bar. Gardai had to get patrons moved “for risk of getting hurt”, Sergeant Dalton said, adding that Dodoo eventually left peacefully, exiting onto the Main Street where he was arrested.

On August 13, 2024, gardai responded to a public order incident at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny. They spoke with Dodoo who was intoxicated and slurring his words. The defendant was arrested as he was posing a danger to himself and others.

Sergeant Dalton told the court that Dodoo has previous convictions for matters that include public order offences.

Solicitor for Dodoo, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client was tendering a guilty plea. Dodoo, Mr Gallagher said, comes from a difficult background and has also had a difficult health background.

“He has bipolar and other difficulties,” Mr Gallagher said. “The two offences here happened in a very short space of time. He has reengaged with advice from other parties and his own medical assistance.

“He is dealing with each day as they come and he will continue to get that assistance. His own worst nightmare can be himself.

“He seems to be in a better place and seems to be moving forward. We are dealing with a man who has difficulty, but he realises that he needs the support of third parties.”

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said the difficulty was the defendant's previous being “very similar and very relevant”.

“The Court is of the view that these are serious matters,” Judge Cunningham said.

Judge Cunningham directed the preparation of a probation and welfare report and adjourned the case until December 19.