Man who smashed door at Cork hospital jailed for five months

A chronic alcoholic who smashed a glass door at Mercy University Hospital was jailed for five months as his solicitor said that but for his many custodial sentences over the years he might not be alive at all.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed the latest sentence on 35-year-old Thomas Cauley who is originally from Thurles, County Tipperary, at Cork District Court.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage at Mercy University Hospital.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident occurred on December 8, 2024 when there was a disturbance at the ambulance entrance for the hospital.

“Mr Cauley had been ejected from the hospital but he was banging on the glass door at this entrance causing the glass to break.

“The extent of the criminal damage was assessed at €500,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Eddie Burke solicitor said the accused pleaded guilty to numerous other offences earlier this month but that this criminal damage offence had to be adjourned for verification of the extent of the damage.

The defendant was convicted 68 times in the past for the same offence of being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others – a statistic which told its own story about the defendant’s life.

He said that were it not for numerous prison sentences and the consequent periods of sobriety it was possible that the accused would not be alive at all.

Mr Burke said: “This man is a self-confessed alcoholic. He has had seizures and other numerous difficulties. He is from Thurles. 

“At the age of 11 he lost his father. He has no contact with his mother. He came to Cork in 2016. 

“He has gone to numerous treatment centres but unfortunately he has relapsed.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a total sentence of five months on Mr Cauley at Cork District Court and commented that the situation was exacerbated by the fact that it occurred in a hospital.