A MAN who gave a Garda a black eye during his arrest very much respects the work the Gardaí do in the community, his solicitor told Galway District Court on Monday.
Patrick Cleary, 14 Glen Baun, Ballybane was arrested outside his home in a highly aggressive and intoxicated state on February 22. It was his birthday, his solicitor Michael Cunningham told Judge Liz Healy.
Prosecuting Garda Damien Prendergast told the Judge that during his arrest Cleary punched a Garda in the eye. The injury caused bruising but had no long-term effect and the Garda did not wish to make a victim impact statement.
Cleary had eight previous convictions, including one for theft and one for public order last year.
“He wants to make a wholesome apology. He has no issue with the Gardaí and very much respects the job they do in the community,” Mr Cunningham said.
He added that it was his client’s birthday and when he was let out of his cell the next morning he was not aware of what happened.
Cleary is 29 and has four children aged between two and nine and has not touched alcohol since the night in question. He was taking the matter very seriously and was showing insight regarding his behaviour. He was not a violent person and was shocked by his behaviour the next morning, and apologised immediately.
Judge Healy said it was good that he was taking responsibility for his behaviour but she had to take into account that he had caused harm to a Garda. She reminded the defendant that he had four children and had a responsibility towards them.
She said she was impressed that he hadn’t taken alcohol in the intervening two months.
On the Section 6 Public Order Charge she imposed a fine of €300 and on the assault charge a further €300. She said she was taking into account with the fines that he had children and was on disability.
She issued a Probation bond for six months on condition he be of good behaviour and do as the Probation Service instructed.
