Verbally abusive to Garda probing assault

AN electricin who was verbally abusive to a Garda who investigated a complaint that he had assaulted a taxi driver was given a month to come up with € 400 for a charity.

Shane McManus ( 27) of Foyogues, Ballyfarnon, Boyle admitted a charge of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at John Street on February 19th.

Inspector Donal Sweeney said Gardaí went to John Street at 9pm after receiving a call about a taxi driver having been assaulted. The alleged attacker had gone into a nearby pub and Gardaí asked the defendant to come outside. He had cuts to his right hand and knuckles and twice told Garda Evans to “go f *** himself.” McManus was asked to leave the area and he went around the corner but again started shouting abuse at the Gardaí. He had one previous conviction for careless driving. The taxi driver didn’t make a complaint about the alleged assault.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor ( defending) said McManus was a hardworking, decent man who worked as a electrician in England but who had to return home after suffering a broken leg while on a job.

He was on medication for the injury and this combined with alcohol made for a lethal combination said Mr McGovern. “He doesn’t remember a lot of it. He has since apologised to Garda Evans,” he said, adding that he hoped to return to work in England in April.

Juge Kevin Kilrane said it was shocking abuse of a Garda who was investigating an alleged assault.

“Would you use that sort of language on the police in Britain?” Judge Kilrane asked the defendant. “No” - defendant. “Can I suggest it’s because you would be locked up that’s why you wouldn’t abuse a police officer in England” - Judge.

The case was adjourned to allow the defendant pay € 400 to a charity and when this done at last Thursday’s sitting, Judge Kilrane applied the Probation Act.