A Rahoon man had just walked out of the Garda station to an awaiting van which was blocking traffic when he roared abuse at a garda, the Galway District Court heard this week.
The court heard on Monday how 24-year-old Jonathan Ward had been given the chance to do community service but had turned it down prompting Judge Mary Fahy to impose a two month jail sentence for the charge of threatening and abusive behaviour
Inspector Mick O’Dwyer told the court that on June 6, 2010, at 4.25pm at Mill Street a Garda car had been exiting the station car park and was attempting to turn right but a van which was parked up on the footpath was restricting the flow of traffic. A garda approached the van and spoke to the female occupant but suddenly shouting was heard coming from a man walking out of the station.
The court heard that Ward, with an address at Bay 2, Circular Road, Rahoon, came closer and roared at the garda saying he would “move it in a f**king minute”. “He then shouted at the garda that just because she had a badge she thought she could do what she wants,” said Inspector O’Dwyer.
“Why is he so anxious to avoid community service?” asked Judge Fahy.
Defence solicitor John Carr said that his client has “anger issues” and had been given the opportunity to do community service previously, but was found not suitable and served a sentence in lieu.
“I have to impose two months, he was given a chance and he turned it down on two occasions. When someone is reluctant to do community service it puts suspicions in my mind,” said Judge Fahy.
