This article is from page 20 of the 2013-06-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A MAN who head-butted a Clare garda and told him he would “put two bullets in his head” has been sentenced to four months in prison.
Paddy Harty (40) pleaded guilty to assaulting Ennistymon Garda David Keneally at Roughan, Kilnaboy on February 8 (2013).
Gardaí were responding to reports of a car crash in the area when the assault occured.
Mr Harty, with a former address at Lisheen Park, Patrickswell, Limerick, appeared at Ennis District Court on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to assault and possession of two stolen handbags at Roughan Kilnaboy on February 8.
He also pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a mechanically propelled vehicle.
The court heard that the car Mr Harty was traveling in was stolen in Ballinasloe on February 7.
The court heard that after being handcuffed, Mr Harty issued threats to Garda Keneally and head butted him.
Insp Kennedy said the accused appeared intoxicated. He said Mr Harty was subdued with assistance from gardaí from Ennis Garda Station.
The Court heard that the handbags found in the car had been taken during a burglary of a house in Inagh on February 7. Insp Kennedy told the court that Mr Harty has 93 previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir said her client, a married father of five, is a chronic alcoholic who has never received treatment.
She said a doctor has told Mr Harty that if he doesn’t stop drinking “he won’t see 50.”
In a letter to the court, Mr Harty apologized for his actions on February 8.
He wrote, “I can’t remember the incident and I’m very sorry to all parties involved.” The court heard Mr Harty is attending meetings of Alcoholic’s Anonymous in prison.
Judge William Early said Mr Harty appeared to be making good use of his time in prison.
However he added that the court judges people on their behaviour. Judge Early said it was “totally unacceptable” to assault and threaten to put two bullets in the head of garda.
He imposed sentences totaling 12 months in prison. Eight months of the sentence were suspended for two years on condition Mr Harty be of good behaviour. The sentence was backdated to May 3 (2013). Mr Harty thanked Judge Early as he was led away from the courtroom.