Woman who kicked, punched and slapped Laois Offaly gardai 'had too much drink'

An Offaly woman was charged with assaulting three Gardai during last week’s sitting of Tullamore Court.  

Sasha Townsend, 41 Scurragh, Birr, pleaded guilty to the offences. She also pleaded guilty to threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour and to failing to comply with a Garda’s direction. The offences happened at 2am on May 1, 2022 in Emmet Square Birr and in Birr Garda Station.   

Sgt James O’Sullivan gave evidence.

“The Gardaí were bringing a male prisoner to Birr Garda Station when Sasha Townsend presented herself and said she was the prisoner’s girlfriend. She became aggressive and she wouldn't leave the scene. She verbally abused the Gardai calling them “f**king cu***” and “fat cu***.  

“In the Garda Station she slapped a Garda across the face and hit three Gardai with punches and kicks. They suffered minor injuries. She was put  into a cell,” he said.  

The defending solicitor Donal Farrelly told the court that his client is 20 years of age and is single.

“She had had too much drink,” he pointed out. “She is no longer with her boyfriend. She felt he was wrongly being taken to Birr Garda Station which, she accepts now, was a stupid conclusion to come to. She is very ashamed and embarrassed about this incident.  

“She has a good work ethic and is popular amongst her peers. She has recently completed a course in Beauty Treatment.”     

Judge Andrew Cody asked if Ms Townsend had  any expression of regret to offer the court and the Gardai?  

The defendant told the Judge that her actions on the date in question “were  out of character for me. I didn't mean to hurt anyone.”  

“I am not hearing a sufficient amount of remorse from your client, Mr Farrelly,” said the Judge. “As a sign of remorse I will require  €1,000 to be paid to the Garda Benevolent Fund.”

The case was adjourned to July 19 next.

“If the sum is paid by that date then I will deal with the case in a lenient manner,” commented the Judge.