Assault put garda out of work for eight months

A 26-YEAR-OLD man accused of assaulting a garda had mental health difficulties at the time, the District Court was told.

The beating handed out to Garda Michael Fitzpatrick by Sean O’Leary from Ballinaclash, Blackwater, last May put him out of work for at least eight months, it was alleged.

Sergeant Mick Morrissey gave a summary of the prosecution case, outlining what occurred at Inch in Blackwater on May 23 last. He stated that, when the garda approached the accused on a country road, the defendant became very violent.

According to the sergeant’s version of events, his colleague received punches to the face and bites to both arms which broke the skin. His garda radio was pulled from his chest and it was then used to strike the injured party around the face, continued the sergeant.

Michael Fitzpatrick, who was not present, had only returned to duty within the past fortnight, the court was informed.

Judge John Cheatle ruled that the matter should be referred to the Circuit Court.

Defending solicitor Lana Doherty confirmed that her client was not in employment.

The defendant attended court with his mother. The case was adjourned to the sitting of March 13 for DPP instructions.