Drunk man tried to rugby tackle garda

A 27-year-old man who was before the court for public order was getting married in 6 weeks’ time and was planning on moving to Canada with his fiancée. Liam Doherty of Clehagh, Clonmany, Co Donegal was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and also being drunk in public on May 20 th 2018 at JFK Parade, Sligo.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne said gardaí were on patrol at 2:10am and speaking to people when they observed the defendant try to get into the patrol car which was unoccupied at the time and he then tried to rugby tackle one of the gardaí who sidestepped him. Defending solicitor Mr Noel Kelly said it was completely out of character and he had no memory of it and went to apologise the next day for his behaviour.

He said Doherty needed garda clearance for his visa application and asked if the judge would consider a contribution to the poor box. Inspector Kilcoyne said it was perhaps a one off and the judge ordered him to pay €200 to Hope House and struck out the matter.