Man acted like ‘bull in a china shop' when he grabbed garda and threatened to choke him
A 43-year-old man grabbed a Garda by the lapels, forced him against a wall and threatened to choke him, Dundalk Court has heard.
Michael Davidson, Meeting House Lane, Linenhall Street, Dundalk, had been walking along the centre of the road in front of a Garda patrol vehicle before the incident occurred.
He pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in public, using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or words, obstructing a Garda in the execution of his duty and a Section 35 pedestrian offence at Quay Street, Dundalk, on December 7, 2023.
Dundalk Court. Stock image.
News in 90 Seconds - May 30th
Evidence was given that the defendant was walking in the centre of the road ahead of a patrol vehicle. He stopped and began shouting at it.
Mr Davidson refused to move on several occasions before the Garda drove around him, pulled in and got out.
The man again refused to move. He was shouting aggressively at the officer and, while being escorted, grabbed him by the lapels and forced him against a wall.
He attempted to strike the Garda and said that he would choke him. He referred to 'a previous attack he carried out with a bottle'.
There were 51 previous convictions.
Barrister Niall Mackin said that the defendant was on medication and had addiction issues at the time.
He completed a Turas Counselling Service course and was clean since.
Mr Davidson had one child, one grandchild and was carer for his partner. He instructed that he would not be in trouble again. He had €300 to offer.
Judge Nicola Andrews said she wouldn't let a situation pass with a charitable donation when a Garda was attacked.
The defendant 'was like a bull in a china shop,' the judge added.
He was remanded on continuing bail to June 11 for a probation report and community service assessment.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
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