Spat on garda after
charity cycle for two slain officers
A 22-year old man spat on a garda who had just
finished a 600km charity cycle in memory of two
slain colleagues, an Inishowen court has heard.
Dane Stevens admitted spitting on Garda Ronan
McKeever who had completed a cycle along with some
44 garda colleagues from Mizen Head to Malin Head on
September 11, 2010. The event was in memory of Garda
Gary McLoughlin and Garda Robbie McCallion who were
killed in the line of duty in separate incidents in
Co Donegal the previous year.
The court heard that Mr Stevens of Slieveban, Malin
Head, got annoyed when he was refused a lift on a
bus hired to transport the garda cyclists from Malin
village, where they had earlier celebrated reaching
their destination.
He swore at Garda Kevin Hynes before another
cyclist, Garda John Garrett, witnessed the defendant
spitting on Garda McKeever's back, as he embarked
the bus.
Garda Inspector David Murphy told Tuesday’s sitting
of Carndonagh District Court the cyclists were "met
with the utmost regard" in all the towns they passed
through during the week-long cycle. He said the
incident was not a reflection of locals who had
given the cyclists a warm welcome home. The cycle,
which included a number of civilian participants,
raised thousands of euro for Beaumont Hospital, Our
Lady's Children's Hospital and Letterkenny General
Hospital.
The defendant had previous convictions for assault
and public order offences. Most recently, on
November 3, last, he received 150 hours' community
service in lieu of 18-months’ prison for an
unprovoked assault. Defence solicitor, Frank Dorrian,
said his client was being treated for alcohol
addiction. He wasn't aware the cycle was in memory
of two deceased gardaí and intended no disrespect.
"He tells me he is a different person when he is
drinking. It puts him in a difficult and dark
place," said Mr Dorrian. He said his client had been
alcohol-free for a month and was preparing to
undertake his own charity cycle for a local cause.
Mr Dorrian said his client had been "awash with
money" as a plasterer during the boom, but was now
unemployed.
Judge Paul Kelly said the defendant’s behaviour was
"disgraceful, loutish and ignorant" to gardaí who
had undertaken a "considerable effort" for charity.
He imposed a two-month prison sentence, suspended
for a year on a good behaviour bond of €500. He also
imposed a fine of €250. "Stay out of trouble or you
will find yourself in jail if you come back before
me," said the judge. |
