A Mullingar man who is receiving treatment for anger management has been told he will have his suspended sentence increased to 22 months if he breaches his bail conditions.
Michael McKnight pleaded guilty to spitting at a garda who was forced to have blood and other tests as a result.
“There are varying types of assault,” said Judge John Neilan, “but to spit is one of the most foulest forms of assault.”
Garda Neil Donnellan gave evidence of how gardaí received a report of an incident at Mount Street and when they arrived, Mr McKnight of 45 Ennell Court was one of a number of people outside.
He was very intoxicated and was involved in a row in the presence of his mother and swung a number of punches at the garda which he was able to avoid.
While he was dealing with other matters, Garda Murphy was with Mr McKnight in the patrol car and when he tried to escape, he made a lunge at her and spat into her face and eyes.
A vehicle also suffered damage to the rear wiper, and glass over a door was broken and compensation was paid.
Mr John Quinn said his 20-year-old client had been very intoxicated and was out of control, but that he calmed down when removed from the scene and was embarrassed by the incident.
He is a good leader with his local sports team and was anxious to deal with his anger, the court heard.
Mr Quinn said he hoped a report would show how “seriously out of character” the behaviour was before the judge finalised the case.
Judge Neilan imposed a five month sentence for the assault which he adjourned to November.
“I’m not clear why young people are so angry,” he said. “What have they to be angry about?”
However he added that he could “understand if they are angry about the economy”.
