ThreatenedGardacar aftersixsalmonseized

DISTRICT COURT

A fisherman found with six illegally caught salmon in the boot threatened to burn out an off- duty female Garda’s car in “a fit of rage” after the salmon were seized.

Oisín Gethins ( 25) of Garavogue Villas, Sligo made the threat to Garda Ray Wims at Millfalls, Collooney last July 5th.

Garda Wims testified at Sligo District Court last week that he and a colleague were on patrol along the Oranmore River around 4.25pm on that date because there is a lot of illegal salmon fishing around this time of year.

He said they came across a car in the Falls estate, Collooney driving by Ivan Gethins, the defendant’s brother.

There were six freshly caught salmon in the boot, with no tags on them. The Gardaí seized the car and the salmon.

Garda Wims said Oisín Gethins “got very agitated” when Garda Ann Marie Grimes, who was off- duty at the time, walked past to her car.

Garda Wims alleged Gethins then said “a box of firelighters and some matches will sort out that car,” referring to Garda Grimes car.

He took the comment as a threat and notified the Superintendent and an operation was put in place to protect her car.

Garda Wims then told Judge Kevin Kilrane that Gethins had proffered a letter of apology to him that morning ( last Thursday June 1) which contained a “genuine apology.”