Woman smashed Covid screen in pharmacy after row over expired prescription
A woman who smashed a protective Covid screen at a Tallaght pharmacy four years ago after being told her prescription was out of date has avoided jail, despite causing €1,000 worth of damage.
Maria Mohan (36), of Belfry Green, Citywest, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to criminal damage, possession of cannabis, and threatening behaviour at a Garda station.
The court heard the incident occurred on April 1, 2021, at Springfield Pharmacy in Tallaght, Dublin 24, where Mohan became agitated after being informed her prescription had expired and she could not collect her medication.
The court heard that she began banging on a protective visor screen at the pharmacy desk, where the till was located. It had been installed during the Covid pandemic, and she didn’t realise it was connected to the wider screen around the till. The force caused the entire protective screen structure to shatter, damaging cosmetics and the surrounding area. The damage was estimated at €1,000.
No compensation was ever paid but the court heard that while Mohan was engaging with a restorative justice programme, a representative attempted to contact the owner of Springfield Pharmacy on her behalf to arrange payment, but he was deceased.
Mohan also admitted to possession of cannabis on April 18, 2019, after being stopped by a garda at Belgard Square, Tallaght.
She further pleaded guilty to a public order offence at Tallaght Garda Station on October 10, 2023, where she spat on the glass barrier and used threatening and abusive behaviour.
When Judge Patricia McNamara asked Mohan if she had a problem with her temper, the defendant replied, “Well, I’m on medication for life”.
Defence solicitor Michael Hennessy said his client suffers from bipolar disorder, ADHD, sensory issues, and borderline personality disorder, and is engaging with mental health services.
Judge McNamara imposed a five-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, in relation to the criminal damage. The drugs offence and public order matter were also taken into consideration.
She told Mohan she must stay off any illegal drugs and not come before the courts again.
Mohan was also fined €300 for the criminal damage and €250 for the public order offence, both payable within five months, and entered into a peace bond.