Man bit garda after fall

A MAN who bit a garda was sentenced to three months in prison last week in Bray District Court.

The incident occurred at Bray Garda Station on November 20, 2017.

The defendant, Richard Coster (28), 10 Kilbride Grove, fell from a bench to the floor and Garda Patrick Beere attempted to assist him when Coster bit him.

The court heard that Coster was the victim of an unprovoked attack years ago and suffered stab wounds to the face.

Solicitor Brendan Maloney said that the assailant got eight years in prison.

Mr Maloney said that the incident had a devastating effect on Coster’s life and he has alcohol issues.

He said that Coster has no recollection of the events which resulted in the attack on Garda Beere, but that he is offering an unreserved apology.

‘ The garda was trying to assist him,’ said Judge Kennedy. ‘In mitigation, he has apologised and had no previous for assault. He does have 36 previous convictions though.’

Those convictions include public order, trespass, theft, obstruction and others.

‘It was a nasty bite,’ said the judge. ‘ There was no blood drawn but it was painful and unpleasant.’