A young Mayo man who became verbally abusive and physically violent towards a garda as she attempted to make an arrest has been given until May 17 to pay €750 in compensation.
Twenty-year-old Pat Flannery, with an address at Inver, Barnatra, Ballina, Co Mayo, appeared at Galway District Court on Monday to face the offences of obstructing Garda Caroline Hayes, threatening and abusive behaviour, and refusing to give a name and address at Shop Street.
Inspector Pat McHugh told the court that at 10pm on February 27, 2010, gardai received a number of calls regarding a fight taking place between the defendant and another male who were roaring and shouting at each other. When Garda Hayes asked for his name and address, Flannery refused to provide it and instead starting laughing at her. When Flannery was informed that he was at risk of being arrested he still refused to provide any details and told the garda to “f**k off”. Garda Hayes managed to place the handcuffs on one hand before a struggle ensued and two nearby doormen had to come to her assistance. Flannery was eventually placed in the back of a patrol van but he then kicked out at gardai and verbally abused them.
The court heard that Flannery has seven previous convictions including one for burglary with intent.
“This man is back with a bang,” noted Judge Mary Fahy.
Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor said that her client, who works as a scaffolder, accepts that his behaviour had been “out of line, especially to a female garda”. Ms Traynor said that Flannery had been referred to HSE addiction services in October 2009 and is still attending counselling for alcohol addiction.
Judge Fahy said that she would consider imposing a monetary penalty if Flannery comes up with compensation. “I know gardai have to do their duty but this man went over and above what gardai should have to endure in their work,” she said before adjourning the case to May 17 for payment of €750 in compensation to Garda Hayes.
