Man threatened to destroy Garda’s face with headbutt
A MAN with 39 previous convictions threatened to destroy a garda’s face with a headbutt, Sligo District Court was told. Mark Doherty of Cairns Hill, Sligo, who joined the court via video link from Castlerea Prison, was charged with assaulting Garda Niall Rigney at Ard Nua, Ballinode, on February 25, 2018.
The court heard gardaí were called to the student village in Ballinode where they found Doherty in an intoxicated state. He shouted at and threatened them with violence saying he would destroy Garda Niall Rigney’s face with a headbutt. He was directed to leave the area but remained.
He then turned around and spat at the garda in the direction of his right eye.
He was restrained, arrested, and conveyed to Ballymote Garda Station where he was charged with section 19 assault of a peace officer. Judge Sandra Murphy inquired was there any medical report in relation to Gda Rigney.
Prosecuting sergeant, Rosie
Logue, said none was available however, she assured the judge the garda had returned to normal duties.
The court heard the accused had 39 previous convictions – 16 of them for theft.
Sgt Logue indicated some of the convictions were before the age of 18.
She also said a file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ms Kathleen Henry, BL, said her client was 19 years of age and young and immature at the time. She said he had stayed out of trouble between 2011 and 2018, but had got in with a bad crowd and personal issues had led to the assault.
He was under pressure in relation to drugs and had problems of a domestic nature.
She said he had turned his life around, was working and now had a partner and three children.
Ms Henry assured the judge her client wanted the opportunity to get his job back and become a productive member of society.
She highlighted the fact he had obtained a Level 3 woodwork qualification and was doing enhanced work in cleaning and the woodwork area of prison. He had also undertaken alternative to violence and winter wellness courses to help him when he is released.
She said he had a job lined up for his release and wanted to return to that.
The court also heard Doherty was in custody in relation to assault and theft charges and would be before courts in both Portlaoise and Carrick-on-Shannon. Ms Henry said her client wished to apologise to An Garda Siochana but had not a chance to do so yet.
Judge Murphy said she was taking his assault on Gda Rigney seriously, particularly in light of there being a pattern and requested a probation report. She stressed she would like to see a proper apology to the garda.
Doherty was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until May 12.
Hazel Allerton’s cat Hector.
Sandra Deehan’s dog Coco.
Nicola Scott’s dog Bella. RIGHT: Emma O’Dowd’s King Charles spaniel pup Henry. BELOW: Elaine Connolly’s German Shepherd Tio.