Published: Tuesday, 17th July, 2007 12:00am

Former sporting star abused staff in a Galway store

A FORMER Meath Sports Star of the Year who became racially abusive to two shop assistants while intoxicated has been given until September to pay e1,500 compensation following his appearance before Galway District Court last week.

James Falconer (24), Crow Park, Trim, pleaded guilty to assaulting shop assistants Noman Naseer and Sair Imdad at Spar, Mainguard Street, Galway, on 15th April last.

He also pleaded guilty to resisting Garda Gerard Murphy as he tried to arrest him, to breaching the peace and to being drunk and a danger to himself and others in public on the same occasion.

Superintendent Tony O`Donnell said Falconer purchased a top-up for his mobile phone in the store but, due to the level of his intoxication, he continually punched the wrong digits into his phone until it finally blocked. He then demanded his money back from staff, but when they tried to explain that he would have to call a customer care number provided on the slip, he assaulted both of them, hitting one in the chest and the other across the face.

Gardai were called to the store and Falconer became racially abusive, telling Gardai they should not take the word of non-nationals over that of an Irishman.

The defendant had to be physically restrained and he kicked one garda into the chest as he tried to handcuff him.

Defence solicitor, Mr Jarleth McInerney, said his client had suffered a serious head injury after being involved in an accident in 2004, and has been on medication since. He said Falconer had drank too much on the occasion after hearing a former coach he knew had died and had very little recollection of what happened on the night in question.

Mr McInerney said Falconer had been a “top-class” sportsman a few years ago and had been crowned Meath Sports Star of the Year, but the accident had put paid to his career.

He said his client was extremely apologetic for what had happened and was particularly embarrassed and sorry for the racist comment. He had returned to the shop and had personally apologised to both staff members, who shook his hand the following day.

The solicitor said his client was a painter/decorator who was working in Sligo and, if given time, would pay compensation. Letters from Falconer`s secondary school, from a neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, and from Headway, an organisation which helps people with brain injuries, were handed into court.

Noting the accused had no previous convictions, Judge Mary Fahy adjourned the matter to 24th September to give him time to come up with e750 - as an expression of his remorse - for each staff member. She said that, if the money was paid, she would deal with the charges in a certain way.

She warned Falconer that he could have ended up in prison, particularly for the racist comment, but she said the letter from the neurosurgeon had thrown some light on his condition and he deserved a chance.