Homeless man who had hammer and knife at Louth shopping centre on successive days given jail term
A 45-year-old man found with a hammer and then a knife on successive days in the same Dundalk shopping centre has been jailed for four months.
Edmunds Vipolzovs, no fixed abode, who had the assistance of an interpreter, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the incidents earlier this year since when he has been in custody.
Court presenter Sgt Richie Browne said that on February 18 last gardaí saw the defendant with a hammer in a plastic bag at Marshes Shopping Centre.
He said it was for breaking windows because he had nowhere to stay.
The next day, Mr Vipolzovs was “highly intoxicated” and verbally abusive to staff. When he fell over a knife fell out of his pocket.
Gardaí arrived and seized the knife. In the presence of officers he continued to verbally abuse staff, telling them to “f**k off” in front of members of the public.
He has 17 previous convictions, including for burglary, public order and theft.
Solicitor Steven Bellew said that his client was “stuck” in Ireland with no support network.
He has an addiction and is homeless. Gardaí are holding his passport. He can’t get a bed without identification.
Mr Bellew sought the release of Mr Vipolzovs’ passport.
Judge Nicola Andrews directed that the passport be given to the solicitor.
Concurrent four-month sentences were imposed on the hammer and knife charges, backdated to February 19, 2026.
Other charges were taken into consideration.