A Newcastle man who resisted arrest by pushing, hitting, and kicking out at a garda was fined €550 when he appeared at Galway District Court this week.
James Dodd (42 ) with an address at 112 Inishannagh Park, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place, threatening and abusive behaviour, and obstruction of a garda during the course of arrest at William Street on August 29, 2010. A charge for failing to obey Garda directions was withdrawn.
The court heard on Monday that Garda Ciara Carey was on patrol when she observed the defendant walking in the direction of Eyre Square. Dodd was shouting and was extremely unsteady on his feet. Inspector Brendan Carroll said that Dodd then resisted arrest by “pushing, hitting, and kicking out” at Garda Carey. He added that Dodd, who has one previous conviction for criminal damage going back to 1993, did apologise after the incident occurred and is currently in receipt of disability payments.
Dodd explained that it had been his birthday and he was drinking while on medication.
“I know I shouldn’t have gone out. I had a few drinks too many,” he said.
Judge Mary Fahy imposed a fine of €200 for threatening and abusive behaviour and €350 for obstruction. He was given three months to pay the fines and the remaining charge was taken into consideration.
