ROUND- UP

Under cross- examination by Mr Mark Mullaney, defending, Garda Wims said illegal salmon fishing was “a huge issue” at this time of year.

“We handed the case over to the Fisheries Board,” he added.

“Every day of the week we get threats but because the car was identified I was concerned,” he told Mr Mullaney.

He agreed that no attempt was made to interfere with Garda Grimes car and agreed with Mr Mullaney that Gethins was “in a much better state then he was on that day last July.”

Mr Mullaney told Judge Kilrane that Gethins had since gotten married and was expecting their first child. “It is a serious charge but I’ve heard from Garda Wims that in the apology Oisín Gethins has issued in a letter he says he’s sorry for what he said and it was said in the heat of the moment.

“It was never his intention to damage any Garda’s property. He should have kept his mouth shut,” said Mr Mullaney.

Judge Kilrane agreed Gethins made the threat “in a fit of rage” and intended that Garda Grimes would be worried.

The court heard Gethins is under two suspended prison sentences for assault and Public Order.

However he did not activate the suspended sentences because the threat was made “in the heat of the moment”.

He convicted and fined Gethins ¤ 300.