A 21-year-old Ballybane man who assaulted a garda by punching her in the stomach and broke another garda’s finger as they attempted to arrest him will have to serve an extra five months in jail.
Sean Faherty, with an address at 124 Ard Alainn, Ballybane, was brought before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place, obstructing and assaulting Garda Lynda McManus, and assaulting Garda Barry Nugent causing him harm at Spanish Arch on April 11, 2009. Faherty was also charged with failing to appear in court on July 8, 2009.
Inspector Ernie White told the court that on April 11, 2009, at 11.20pm Garda McManus and Garda Nugent were on patrol when they observed the defendant acting suspicously. When they spoke to him Faherty told them: “Would you ever f**k off and find something better to do”. The two garda officers then asked Faherty to produce ID. However, Faherty put his hand into his jacket pocket and then suddenly punched Garda McManus in the stomach. Faherty made to run away but tripped at the steps of the museum. When Garda McManus caught up with him Faherty then tried to punch her again and a struggle ensued. He violently resisted arrest and tried to bite Garda Nugent who had come to Garda McManus’ aid.
While the gardai were trying to place him into the patrol car Faherty attempted to spit at Garda Nugent and broke one of his fingers. Inspector White said that Garda McManus had sustained a number of bruises to the arms and legs while Garda Nugent had a broken little finger but was now back at work. The court heard that Faherty has 16 previous convictions which included sentences for assault, criminal damage, obstruction, and theft. He is currently serving nine months in jail.
Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her client had been very unwell at the time. She explained that Faherty had been to see a psychiatrist because of his self harming and a report was available to the court. Ms Corcoran said that Faherty had been building up a lot of resentment and anger.
“The underlying thread in this is his difficulties with alcohol. If he does not deal with that he will continue to come before the court,”warned Judge Fahy, who added that because of the injuries sustained by the gardai she had to impose a sentence.
Judge Fahy then convicted Faherty and imposed a five month sentence to be served on lawful termination of the sentence currently being served. She also recommended that the defendant continue to avail of psychiatric assistance and anger management.
