A garda who was allegedly kicked in the chest by a martial arts expert in the early hours of last Sunday (March 1 ) in the middle of Moate recovered to make an arrest and restrain the man.
Garda Keith Harrison was on duty in the town on the night in question when he approached a middle aged gentleman from the locality and asked him to move on.
The man allegedly took offence to Garda Harrison's directions and aimed a drop kick at the officer at approximately 3.15am.
Despite being knocked to the ground, it is believed Garda Harrison was able to recover and, with the assistance of two colleagues, managed to overpower the intoxicated fellow, handcuff him and restrain him by sitting on him for half an hour until the arrival of the support vehicle from Athlone, it is alleged.
The man in question was remanded to appear at Athlone District Court this week (March 4 ) to face three public order charges.
No plea was entered at this time.
After a brief application by his solicitor, Mr Tony McLynn, his case was adjourned for another week until March 11.
