A man who threatened to kill a Garda and who hurled threats and vile language at the Gardaí trying to deal with him was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment when he appeared before Judge James Faughnan at Tuam District Court.
Garda Michelle Hallinan told the Judge that she had arrested the defendant, Paul Kavanagh, 9 St Benin’s Terrace, Ballygaddy Rd, Tuam, on foot of a bench warrant on the morning of the Court to get him before the Judge.
The Court heard evidence that on August 21 last, just before 11pm at Old Ballygaddy Road, Tuam, Gardaí found Kavanagh stripped to the waist fighting with another man who had also stripped to the waist. They were both drunk and brawling, chest to chest, and were arrested.
On June 26 last Kavanagh was found by Gardaí in a highly intoxicated state in Tuam and he became aggressive with the Gardaí who were trying to deal with him. He made threats and prosecuting Garda Sgt Christy Brown said the defendant got right into the faces of the arresting Gardaí.
He used foul language and threatened to kill one Garda. He had 20 previous convictions on his record.
Olivia Moran solr (defending ) pleaded that her client was 40 and had suffered a fractured skull and neck at the time of these incidents.
He was also dependant on alcohol but was trying to get help and attending a Merchants Quay programme. There was also a domestic element to his troubles but he was now reunited with his partner. The couple had a eight-week old baby and two other children. She added that her client was very remorseful and she would like time to be able to provide letters on how he was doing in treatment.
However, Judge Faughnan said a warrant for his arrest had to be issued to get Kavanagh into Court and he had not complied with the conditions of his bail. He imposed a total of six months’ imprisonment. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal at €1,000 cash.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
