Man smashed shop door with vodka bottles and racially abused staff in ‘disgusting' attacks
Alexsandras Bogdanovic (37) insulted an employee about his Asian background in one incident
A data engineer hurled racial abuse at a shop worker and smashed the front door with vodka bottles in 'absolutely disgusting' attacks, a court heard.
Alexsandras Bogdanovic (37) insulted an employee about his Asian background in one incident, then returned days later and caused more than €2,000 to the front door when staff had to shut it to protect themselves and customers from his violence.
Judge Catherine Ghent said his actions were 'utterly unacceptable' and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court for a probation report.
Bogdanovic, with an address at Santry Lodge, Ballymun Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.
The offences happened at Eurospar, Gulliver's Retail Park, Santry last year.
The first incident was on September 7, when staff told the accused, who was previously barred, to leave. While standing outside, he hurled racial abuse at an employee, 'centring on his Asian background,' a garda said.
On September 13, he entered the store with two bottles of vodka and appeared to be 'seeking out' the security manager. He was still barred and was told to leave, at which he threatened violence.
Bogdanovic's lawyer said her client had alcohol issues and asked the garda if he was easier to deal with when sober
The shop door had to be closed for the protection of staff and customers. Bogdanovic struck the door a number of times with his foot, then threw the glass bottles at it, smashing it. He started fighting with members of the public and when gardaí arrived, he fled on foot but was caught and arrested. His previous convictions included public order offences.
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Bogdanovic's lawyer said her client had alcohol issues and asked the garda if he was easier to deal with when sober. 'I only ever met him when he was intoxicated,' the garda said.
The accused acknowledged he was 'getting himself into trouble' when he drinks and is seeking help through addiction services.
His alcohol issues started after he was divorced and moved to Ireland to 'seek a better life.' He began drinking which 'led him down a bad path.'
He apologised for his behaviour in both incidents and no longer lived in the area or frequented the shop.
Judge Ghent said there was not just substantial damage to the door, but the shop had to close and must have lost business. It was 'absolutely disgusting' and 'utterly unacceptable' that people who are working hard should get racially abused, she said.
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