A woman who was drunk and disruptive in the accident and emergency department at Tallaght University Hospital has been handed a suspended sentence.
Kimberly Riordan (33), of Shancastle Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to a public order offence.
The court heard that on 10 December last, Riordan was abusive towards security staff in the hospital’s accident and emergency department. She was intoxicated, unsteady on her feet and slurring her words, and gardaí had to be called due to the disruption caused.
The court was told Riordan has approximately 120 previous convictions, many of them alcohol-related, and that she is currently in custody serving a sentence for public order and theft offences, with a release date in May.
Defence counsel said Riordan was very remorseful for her behaviour and that she presented as a very pleasant woman when sober.
Counsel said Riordan has been in custody since 31 January and has not consumed alcohol since. Riordan told Judge Patricia McNamara that she was feeling shakey due to the lack of alcohol.
The court heard that Riordan had previously engaged with the Simon Community and had undertaken residential treatment, but relapsed shortly after a temporary release. It was confirmed she remains welcome to return to residential treatment when ready.
Counsel said Riordan had been working in pubs but accepted this had contributed to her alcohol difficulties and that she would not be returning to that type of work.
Judge McNamara told Riordan she was caught in a vicious cycle and said her behaviour had caused serious disruption in the accident and emergency department, affecting other patients and resulting in gardaí having to be called.
Judge McNamara imposed a three-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.