A 23-year-old Newcastle man, who became abusive to a garda and spat on the patrol car, has been ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service or face three months in jail.
Karl Madden (23 ) with an address at 58 Inishannagh Park, Newcastle, appeared at Galway District Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour at Henry Street, Galway, on August 5, 2012, while a charge for being intoxicated in a public place was withdrawn by the State.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that at 4.20am Sgt Grace Hennessy had come across the defendant who had been drinking from a bottle of wine. When Sgt Hennessy seized the bottle Madden told her in an abusive manner that he “could drink where ever he likes”. The abuse continued and Madden then spat on the front of the patrol car.
Defence solicitor David Higgins explained that his client had been out celebrating his brother’s 21st birthday and had spat at the car “by accident” and immediately attempted to wipe it off.
The inspector then said that Madden has previous convictions for threatening and abusive behaviour in July 2011 for which he received a community service order, a fine for being intoxicated in a public place in April 2011, convictions in 2008 for threatening and abusive behaviour and obstruction, as well as further public order offences in 2007.
“So he hasn’t learnt any lessons,” noted Judge Mary Larkin.
Mr Higgins then replied that his client does not usually drink and that there had been large time gaps between court appearances.
Judge Larkin convicted Madden and ordered him to complete 120 hours of community service in lieu of three months in jail with the condition that he abstain from alcohol and other intoxicants
