Jailed for assaulting a guard

A 33-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to assault and public order charges has been sentenced to a total of six months imprisonment.

Dundalk court heard that Aisling Hughes, Simon Community, Barrack Street, has 29 previous convictions, and has had difficulties with alcohol throughout her life.

She admitted six public order charges (including two of obstructing a garda in the course of their duty), one count of assault and one count of assault causing harm, across four separate incidents.

Evidence was given that on 2 March, 2016, the defendant was one of two women who went into the XL Shop, Jocelyn Street. They had caused trouble there previously.

Hughes put chocolate in her bag. A lady working in the shop told her to put it back. She pressed the panic alarm and grabbed the accused. Hughes then hit the assistant and pulled her hair. The victim was thrown on the ground.

On 21 December, 2016, the defendant was highly abusive after being found in a hut at a Christmas market in Market Square. She attempted to flee the scene.

Hughes ended up getting pepper-sprayed by gardaí when she interfered with the arrest of another person in Park Street on 24 November, 2018.

‘What the f *** are you doing, you scumbags?’ the court heard she said.

She resisted arrest, and when one garda tried to put handcuffs on her, she dug her nails into her right hand, breaking the skin and drawing some blood.

Sgt Fintan McGroder continued that on 3 July last, Hughes caused a disruption in the court and was told to leave by the presiding judge.

Outside she was fighting with an unknown female. She told guards to ‘f *** off ’ on numerous occasions, and threatened to ‘ beat the head off ’ one of the officers, whom she then kicked out at while being placed in a garda van.

Solicitor Peter Lavery said his client has had difficulties with alcohol and drugs, and has anger issues. She had left Dundalk because things had got too difficult for her, and has since returned.

Mr Lavery added Hughes was unable to continue in the drugs court. He apologised to gardaí on her behalf for what happened.

Hughes has a 15-year-old son who is in the care of his father. She is two months off drink and drugs.

Judge McKiernan noted the defendant had every opportunity to engage with the probation service. She only kept one out of three appointments, and missed other appointments with Turas counselling service.

‘She previously got the benefit of community service and a suspended sentence. All avenues have been exhausted.’

Hughes was sentenced to four months for the garda assault, consecutive to four months for one of the engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour charges, the last two months suspended, on Hughes entering a supervision bond with the probation service.

She directed that the defendant receive all medical treatment and attention for any addiction issues while in custody. Legal aid was granted.