Two female students were left “terrified and distressed” when a drunken stranger, who failed in his attempts to spark up a conversation, picked up a German Shepherd and threw it at them, the Galway District Court heard this week.
Sean Delaney (29 ) with an address given as 5 Sycamore Drive, Highfield Park, Rahoon, pleaded guilty last Monday to being intoxicated in a public place, threatening and abusive behaviour, and the assault of two women at Spanish Arch, on May 20, 2009.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that two women sitting at the green at Spanish Arch were approached by the defendant who tried to start a conversation. When the two women ignored him Delaney “picked up a German Shepherd dog and threw it at them”. Inspector Coppinger added that although there were no injuries the students were “quite terrified and distressed”.
Delaney’s solicitor said that the atmosphere in the area had been socialable and that the defendant, who was drunk, made a “very bad decision” to go around and spark up conversation with people. The court then heard that the dog, which belonged to a flatmate, had been only eight months old at the time and was placid. The solicitor explained that Delaney did not throw the dog but he did “shove” it towards them for a joke.
“It’s horrendous for anyone to introduce a dog to someone who doesn’t want to be introduced to it. Why anyone would go down there drinking while in charge of a dog is beyond me,” said Judge Mary Fahy in disbelief.
The solicitor then said that the defendant, who lives in rented accommodation, had turned over a new leaf and gone back to college to study.
“These young people were very upset. To actually throw a dog, which could have reacted, into their midst, it’s very serious,” said Judge Fahy.
Inspector Coppinger later informed Judge Fahy that the injured parties would be willing to accept compensation.
Judge Fahy remanded the defendant on continuing bail to November 18 for the payment of €500. It is expected that any further compensation and penalties will be decided on that date.
