This article is from page 20 of the 2013-04-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A GARDA was kicked in the stomach and punched in the face during a “vicious and vile assault” at Ennis Garda Station last year, a court has heard.
Ennis Garda Claire McDermott also had clumps of hair ripped from her head when she was attacked by Ann Marie Molloy (24) on May 14 last.
Details of the assault were heard at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Ms Molloy, with an address at Bay 2 Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda McDermott on May 14.
She also pleaded guilty to charges of provoking a breach of the peace and intoxication at Lifford Road on the same day.
The court heard that gardaí were called to Lifford Road after Ms Mol- loy was observed standing close to the River Fergus.
Inspector Tom Kennedy explained that Ms Molloy was arrested and brought back to Ennis Garda Station as she was intoxicated and behaving in an aggressive manner.
Sergeant Mark Murphy of Ennis Garda Station, said Ms Molloy calmed down initially after she was brought to the station. However, Mr Murphy added, Ms Molloy’s mood changed after she discovered she would be charged.
He said Ms Molloy kicked Garda McDermott in the stomach, punched her in the face and pulled out clumps of her hair.
Garda McDermott suffered a cut to her chin and bruising to her her eye.
Three gardaí were required to bring Ms Molloy unde control.
Sgt Murphy said, “Garda McDermott was clearly shaken by it.”
Ms Molloy also pleaded guilty to the theft of a wallet from a customer at an Ennis Cinema on February 12 (2013).
She also pleaded guilty to the theft of € 150 from the wallet of a member of staff at Supermac’s, O’Connell Street, Ennis on February 18 (2013).
Defence Solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had a “difficult upbringing” and comes from a large family of six brothers and six sisters.
Ms Godfrey said her client suffers from health problems. She requested that the case be adjourned until to allow Ms Molloy engage with the Probation Services.
Judge Patrick Durcan said, “This was a vicious and vile assault.”
He said it was his view that a person who commits such an offence “deserves to be incarcerated for a lengthy period.”
However he said he was willing to adjourn the case to allow for a presentence report from the Probation Services. The case was adjourned until June 12. A MAN charged in connection with a public order incident on the Kilrush Road in Ennis has had his case adjourned until June. Anthony McDonagh (26) is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Maiville, Kilrush Road Ennis on February 28 (2013). Mr McDonagh, with an address at 37 Maiville, Kilrush Road, Ennis is also facing a charge of being intoxicated in a public place.
The case was adjourned until last Wednesday to allow for directions to issue from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the State has not received the directions. He said a counter allegation has been made in the case and this is currently the subject of investigation.
Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said a complaint has been made to the Garda Ombudsman.
Insp Kennedy requested that the case be adjourned until June 5. Judge Patrick Durcan agreed to the adjournment, but said that the “DPP needs to get a move on.”