A Mullingar man has had a sentence for assault suspended on payment of €1,000 to the garda whose face he spat in.
Michael McKnight pleaded guilty at an earlier court to spitting in the face of Garda Eileen Murphy and a five month sentence was adjourned.
Mr McKnight paid a total of €520 to two victims whose cars he damaged on Mount Street.
Judge Neilan ordered that €1,500 presented to the court be divided, giving €1,000 to Garda Murphy and €500 to St Vincent de Paul, who are “under pressure”.
He said he did not wish to take away in any way from the “foul, vicious nature of the assault” on the garda or the fact that in a civil court she would be likely to receive a much higher compensation award.
Mr John Quinn said his client is attending the Open Door service and attending anger management support.
