A man has smashed up a Paddy Power bookmakers shop in Ireland, all because he lost 2 euros

John McCormac, of Ballyfermot, got a taxi home to pick up a sledgehammer after he was barred from the bookmakers because he abused a member of staff. He later returned to smash up 27 television screens in the shop, consequently causing 17,835 euros worth of damage.

He can count his blessings that, after appearing in court and pleading guilty to criminal damage of television screens, he escaped with just a year’s suspended sentence.

Judge Patrick McCartan also said; “it was a matter of conscience” for Mr McCormac and his family if they wish to repay Paddy Power for the criminal damage caused.

Paddy Power will not be seeking compensation from Mr McCormac.  Paddy Power’s spokesman, said the incident was the most “violent, ridiculous attack” in the bookmakers history.

“That’s the first time we’ve had someone go berserk,” he said.  “Occasionally you have a dispute but 99.9 percent of the time they are resolved amicably.  We respect the decision of the judge and will not be pursuing further costs, nor inviting McCormac around for tea any time soon.”

Policeman Liam Ahere told the court that Mr McCormac betted on a horse just as the odds changed and he discovered he would win 2 euros less as a result of the changing odds.  Mr McCormac then proceeded to abuse a female member of staff.

She told Mr McCormac that she wouldn’t accept any more bets off him and he was barred from the shop.

It was then that Mr McCormac got the taxi back to his house and returned to the bookmakers with his sledgehammer to smash the televisions.  When he was smashing the televisions, staff pressed a panic alarm button to alert the police.

Mr Greene also said that Mr McCormac was “a person with an unusually fragile personality” and the incident was “an overreaction to a perceived sight.”  And he added that now Mr McCormac was barred from his only social outlet he faced “a very real sanction.”