Took medication and drunkenly hit Garda on lip

A man out socialising during the Fleadh ended up before the court charged with assault and obstructing a peace officer. Joseph Noonan ( 49), of Old Cartron Hill, Sligo, pleaded guilty to the charge which occurred on Castle St, Sligo, on August 9th 2015. Inspector Paul Kilcoyne said gardaí were on duty at the time on Castle St and there was a large crowd of people around. The defendant approached a garda and shook hands with him asking if he knew who he was. He then described gardaí with obscene language. He then grabbed the garda by the arm and struck his right fist into his mouth. The guard received a split upper lip and one of his teeth became loose, the court heard. Garda Mealiffe said he had never had any dealings with Noonan prior to the incident and that as a result of the assault, he was more cautious when dealing with people who were drunk. Defending solicitor Mr Maurice Galvin said his client was 49 years old and on the day in question had been playing golf. He was also taking medication and enjoying the festivities of the Fleadh. “He has no recollection of what happened and he is mortified by what occurred. He immediately telephoned the garda station to apologise. A number of days later he met Sergeant Crinnegan to apologise as well,” Mr Galvin said. He added that his client was living with his 90- year- old mother who he is carer of and his deceased father had been a long- serving member of an Garda Síochána, and was also a Superintendent in Sligo. “I can say that he won’t be before the court again. He was never in trouble before.” He added a conviction would have serious implications for Noonan. Judge Kilrane said his medical report did indicate some issues and with medication and alcohol he did something utterly out of character. He adjourned the case in order to have the garda in question in court.