Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for man who threatened to go to State pathologist's home armed with AK
Summary
A man with over 60 previous convictions has been sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for making a series of hoax phone calls containing serious threats. Thomas McDonagh, aged 41 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three emergency calls made on 15 August 2019 and a further false report on 26 August that year. The calls included threats to visit the home of a former State Pathologist armed with an AK-47 rifle, claims of explosives at Castlerea Prison and threats against a Ballaghadereen coroner's residence. Judge Martin Nolan stated that whilst the threats may have been implausible, emergency services were obliged to take precautions, which appeared to be McDonagh's intention. The judge noted McDonagh harboured a grievance against the State following his brother's death in custody four years prior. McDonagh made full admissions when interviewed in May 2021, attributing his actions to intoxication and distress around the anniversary of his brother's death. The defence submitted that McDonagh has since secured accommodation and undertaken rehabilitation steps.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who threatened to go to State pathologist's home armed with AK. Charges or matters: making three hoax phone calls on August 15, 2019 and a further false phone call some weeks later on August 26. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 15, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 26 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-02-14 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: making three hoax phone calls on August 15, 2019 and a further false phone call some weeks later on August 26 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today after Judge Nolan said he had to go to prison. "He has caused a lot of difficulties for others," the judge said.
Places mentioned
- Castlerea
- Castlerea Prison
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- McDonagh rang Tallaght Garda Station
- Tallaght
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request