Louth man took out knife during row at Department of Social Welfare offices

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 22-year-old man who took out a knife during an argument with another member of the public at the Department of Social Welfare in Dundalk has avoided prison.

Jamie Quilton, Oakland Park, Cox’s Demesne, Dundalk, was before the circuit court for finalisation of his case having pleaded guilty to production of a weapon. A charge of committing affray was taken into consideration.

The defendant, who has previous convictions, was deemed suitable for community service.

Judge Dara Hayes said aggravating factors were that the offending occurred in a public building and Mr Quilton was on bail at the time.

An 18-month sentence was imposed, conditionally suspended in its entirety for 18 months. He must also complete 150 hours community service.

On November 15, 2022, Mr Quilton was sitting quietly in the St Alphonsus Road building when another man came in and began shouting and threatened him. The defendant produced a small knife.

The other party was older and had also been prosecuted.

CCTV footage of the incident was obtained. Mr Quilton was arrested by arrangement on January 9, 2023.

A probation officer contacted a security guard who was present for the purpose of a report. It appeared his culpability was perhaps the lesser of the two.

The report noted that he “acts first and thinks afterwards”, and was at high risk of reoffending.

He was in a relationship for two years with a partner who was a good influence. He had matured.

He had struggled with addiction to drugs but appeared clean.