Two men who were threatening and abusive towards gardaí in Ballina were before the district court on Tuesday.
Gardaí were called to a disturbance at St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina on May 1 2011 at 2.10am. When gardaí arrived Thomas Conroy, 50 St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina came out of his house and shouted at Garda Rebecca Fearon in an aggressive manner. Conroy (26 ), who was intoxicated, tried to strike Garda Fearon in the face with a closed fist, however he was restrained by Garda Drury.
Conroy continued to be aggressive towards gardaí and punched and kicked the patrol car. The defendant was pepper sprayed and restrained.
While this was taking place, his brother Michael Conroy (20 ), Apartment 4, New Street, Ballinrobe became angry with gardaí. He shouted abusive language at gardaí and also lunged at Garda Drury. This defendant was also pepper sprayed.
Neither of the men, who are married fathers, have previous convictions.
For the Section Six public order charges, Judge William Hamill convicted and fined Thomas Conroy €200, and convicted and fined Michael Conroy €175.
