15-05-2025
Sligo man (36) was putting HSE staff in fear banging doors
Artur Wojtyne, Maryville Hostel, Sligo had ten previous convictions, the court was told. He was charged with section six Public Order.
Sergeant Derek Butler outlined that on March 6 2024, at 6pm, in the HSE Markievicz House, Sligo, the mental health unit, an area was not open to the public. The defendant was walking up and down the corridor, banging on glass of a side door.
Staff enclosed themselves for their own safety. Staff were extremely upset with the defendant's behaviour.
They had to remain in the office until gardaí arrived.
The defendant had ten previous convictions.
Defending solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry said a Probation Report from a circuit court matter in January gave a good insight into his client.
Sgt Butler said that the defendant is a regular visitor to the mental health unit since his release from prison.
He has secure sheltered accommodation and is working.
He is clean and sober and is on the right path when he takes his medication.
Mr MacSharry said he is doing well and at the time of the offence, he was in the throes of psychosis.
Judge Sandra Murphy said that he has a previous conviction for a similar offence.
She said that from her perspective, he has a background of mental health issues with addiction which he needs to address.
Judge Murphy said it was a serious offence when it happened and that staff were in fear and he should not have been in the place he was in.
She said she wants an updated Probation Report.
She adjourned to June 19.
Mr MacSharry thanked her.
