A Ballybane man who assaulted a garda leaving him with severe injuries will be sent to a higher court to face the charges against him after jurisdiction was refused at Galway District Court this week.
Martin Mongan (21 ) with an address at 95 Clareview Park, Ballybane, Galway, was brought before Judge Mary Fahy on Monday charged with being intoxicated in a public place and threatening and abusive behaviour at Spanish Arch, and assault causing harm at Galway Garda Station, Mill Street, on May 12, 2011, and failing to appear in court on June 1, 2011.
The court heard that the DPP had consented to the matter being dealt with summarily in the district court on a plea of guilty only. Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor told the court that her client, who is in custody in relation to another matter, wished to enter a plea of guilty, however, Judge Fahy noted that according to the medical report the injuries sustained by the garda who was assaulted were quite serious.
Inspector Mick Coppinger agreed that “it is a very serious matter” adding that the Garda officer had to undergo two different operations to repair a “tear” injury and that this may cause him problems in the future. He added that the garda has been off work for nine months. He also noted that the DPP had also consented to the matter being returned.
After consideration Judge Fahy refused jurisdiction and further remanded Mongan in custody to appear at Galway District Court on April 23 for service of the book of evidence.
