This article is from page 20 of the 2012-11-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A MAN has been ordered to pay compensation after he admitted to jumping on a garda patrol car in Kilrush last month.
David Cuggeran (36), with an address at 6 St Senan’s Terrace, Kilrush, appeared at Kilrush District Court on Tuesday.
He pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Parknamoney, Ennis Road, Kilrush on October 21.
Superintendent Gerard Wall told the court that Gardai were called to deal with a disturbance near Kilrush golf club on the night in question
The court heard that Mr Cuggeran was an intoxicated state and was asked by gardaí to leave the area.
Supt Wall said the accused then ran in front of a stopped patrol car, jumped on it and cracked the windscreen.
The court heard that Mr Cuggeran also directed bad language at the gardaí. Solicitor Joe Chambers told the court that his client had been at a function with friends.
He said an element of alcohol was involved but Mr Cuggeran was not drunk.
Mr Chambers added, “An incident occurred outside of his making which incensed him greatly.”
He told the court that his client did not say anything abusive to the gardaí and that he respects the force.
“He did a silly thing. He jumped on top of a squad car,” Mr Chambers added. The court heard that € 407 worth of damage was caused to the car. Supt Wall said the garda was grounded for the night because of the cracked windscreen.
He said there had been no garda provocation on the night.
Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case until December to allow for payment of compensation.
Mr Cuggeran was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Kilrush District Court on December 18.