HADNO RECOLLECTION OFATTACKON GARDA

Two young men had no memory of an incident in which a garda was assaulted, until viewing CCTV coverage of the event in their solicitor’s office.

Caoíbhín Leonard (19), 37 Woodview Park, Castletown Road, pleaded guilty to assault, obstruction of a garda and engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Park Street on 17 June, 2017.

A co-defendant, Ryan McEneaney (20), of 44 Woodview Park, admitted obstruction and engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Evidence was given that McEneaney jumped on the back of an officer, while Leonard kicked the same garda in the back.

Both had drink taken.

They have no previous convictions. Solicitor Frank McDonnell added that an assault had been committed by another person not before the court.

The defendants and others came on the scene, and had so much drink, they were not cognisant of what was going on.

They got involved, but neither could remember what happened until they saw CCTV in his office, Mr McDonnell continued.

After they were arrested, further fighting broke out.

The solicitor said both his clients are unemployed, and greatly ashamed by what occurred.

Judge Coughlan adjourned the case to 5 September next.

He told the defendants to come up with €500 each for charity, and Leonard to have another €500 in compensation for the guard.