Man headbutted Laois Offaly Garda had 'far too much to drink'

A Laois Offaly Garda Division guard based in Tullamore was headbutted in his patrol car by a man he had just arrested, Tullamore Court was told. 

Gary McInerney, Ballygriffin, Kilmacow, Kilkenny was charged with failing to provide a name and address on December 23,  2022  at Watermill Lane Tullamore, following a demand made by Garda Eoin Mulheir. He was also charged with assaulting Garda Mulheir on the same date 

Defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client was pleading guilty. The incident happened at 1.13am.

Garda Sergeant James O’Sullivan pointed out, when the defendant staggered off the footpath in front of the patrol car. When he refused to give his name and address to gardai, they handcuffed him and put him in the car, where he became violent.

He headbutted Garda Mulheir on the side of the head and he started kicking out at the other garda's seat.

Mr McInerney had seven previous convictions, including theft. 

Mr Farrelly said his client was 39 years of age, and is married with three children aged nine, six and two.

"He had had far too much to drink. He can remember very little of what happened. He has written a  letter to Garda Mulheir apologising for his behaviour. He is very embarrassed by his behaviour. He suffers from depression and takes medication for that,” said the solicitor. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the Gardaí are doing an important job to the best of their ability and it is reprehensible  when they are treated like this. He convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for two years. He also fined the defendant €500.