A 21-year-old man who threatened a garda sergeant was convicted of being threatening and abusive at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
On April 18 2009 at 10.35pm on Main Street, Crossmolina, Sergeant James Murphy spoke to a number of youths who were congregated on the bridge in Crossmolina where they were drinking. When dealing with the arrest of one of the youths the sergeant heard someone say, “If it wasn’t for the cameras you’d be a dead man”. Sgt Murphy turned around and saw John McAndrew, Gurteeens, Ballina, being held back by Garda Fiona Ryder.
Garda Ryder told the court that while the sergeant was arresting a youth McAndrew made repetitive threats, saying, “We will get him for this, he is a f***ng dead man”. Garda Ryder stood in McAndrew’s way when he went for the sergeant. The garda directed that all present leave the area, and when leaving the defendant made reference to cameras.
The sergeant told the court that since the incident the defendant, who works in a metal business and who has no previous convictions, has not come to garda attention and seems to have broken away from the group that he was hanging around with.
Judge Mary Devins adjourned sentencing until September 14.
