Alcoholic jailed for kicking out at gardai during arrest

Judge’s wish that defendant seeks help while in prison

By Martina Nee

A woman who suffers from “heavy voluntary alcoholism” has been sentenced to a total of four months in jail for causing disturbances throughout the city including kicking out and attempting to punch gardai during an arrest.

The Galway District Court heard yesterday how Mary Fahy (48) with an address at Osterley Lodge, Lwr Salthill, pleaded guilty to numerous public order offences and has in the past refused to accept the help and advice offered by the court.

Before imposing the sentence Judge Mary Fahy said that it was her hope that the troubled defendant use her time in prison to avail of the services provided and that a counsellor will be able to get through to her.

Outlining the offences Inspector Pat McHugh told the court that on July 13, 2009, at The Meadows, Ballybrit, the defendant was found to be highly intoxicated and had been put in the back of a patrol car. However while being conveyed to Galway Garda station Fahy became very aggressive and started to kick and punch out at the Garda officers. Fahy then had to be “forcibly restrained” and held down in the seat.

Gardai received a number of calls from the public on August 14, 2009, regarding an intoxicated woman lying on the road in the Whitestrand area. Gardai found that Fahy was unable to stand and when arrested she began screaming that she was going to be brought to Mountjoy. The court heard that members of the public, unaware of the cirscumstances, then became involved.

On August 26, 2009, at 4.35pm Fahy was found to be lying on the pavement in Michael Collins Road and was again unable to stand up. When gardai tried to arrest her she lashed out at them and refused to go with them. Inspector McHugh added that a struggle then ensued. On September 13 at 9pm in Monivea Park, there were reports of a drunken woman causing disturbances and roaring abuse at people. Fahy then failed to appear in court on September 23.

Defence solicitor Adrian MacLynn said that his client’s previous activities were well known to the court and that they “continue to come into play”. He added that Fahy suffers from “heavy voluntary alcoholism” and is unable to deal with it.

After hearing the evidence Judge Fahy said that the court has tried to help the defendant regarding her alcohol addiction, however she has continually refused all assistance offered by her medical advisors.

“It’s unfortunate. I’m hoping that when she is serving the sentence someone in the Douchas centre will be able to counsel her,” said Judge Fahy before imposing a total of four months in jail, back dated to October 7, and a fine of €100 payable forthwith.

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