An aggressive beggar has been given a suspended jail sentence for obstructing elderly parishioners as they entered a church at Christmas time and for running away from the arresting garda.
Judge Conor Fottrell heard that elderly parishioners had to give Razvan Rostas (25) – who the court heard receives €232 per week in social welfare – a “wide berth” at the entrance to the church in Glasthule, south Dublin.
Rostas, of North Circular Road, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to aggressive begging and obstructing a garda following an incident outside St Joseph’s Church, Summerhill Road, Glasthule, on December 29, 2024.
Sergeant David Gallwey told the court he was on patrol at around 9.50am when he saw Rostas sitting outside the church holding out his hand and loudly asking passing patrons for “spare change please”.
Sgt Gallwey said many of the churchgoers were elderly and had to take a “wide berth” around Rostas as they entered the church.
The sergeant said he made a lawful demand for a permit authorising begging, but none was produced.
The court heard that Rostas repeatedly asked to be let go after being arrested and then ran off in the direction of Marine Road and the Forty Foot while being brought towards Dún Laoghaire Garda Station.
Sgt Gallwey said he spent about 30 minutes searching for Rostas but could not find him.
Counsel for the defence, Silvia Maria Crowley BL, said parishioners were still able to access the church and told the court there was a second entrance available. She submitted the prosecution had not proven that her client obstructed parishioners going to church.
Judge Fottrell said he accepted the evidence of Sgt Gallwey and was satisfied a lawful demand for a permit had been made but no permit was produced.
The judge said parishioners had been forced to move around Rostas at the church entrance and found the obstruction offence proven.
The court heard Rostas has three previous convictions, including one for theft and two previous begging offences.
Ms Crowley said Rostas does occasional part-time work, has three young children and receives €232 per week in social welfare.
Judge Fottrell fined Rostas €250 for the aggressive begging offence and gave him six months to pay.
For obstructing Sgt Gallwey after fleeing arrest, the judge imposed a two-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.