A Longford man has been jailed for assaulting a Garda Inspector during a court sitting. Marc Frisby was handed a two month prison term by Judge Francis Comerford at an appeal hearing at Ennis Circuit Court. At an appeal hearing at Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Comerford handed Frisby a two month prison term for an assault on Garda Inspector Stan O'Grady during a civil court sitting at Gort courthouse. Mr Frisby had pleaded guilty to the assault charge and Inspector O'Grady was a Garda Sergeant at the time of the assault and was attending Gort Court for one 'Garda court presenter' case on the civil court day.
In evidence, Insp O'Grady said that Mr Frisby, with an address at the time of The Granary, Ballymahon, Co. Longford "was completely uncontrollable". Insp O'Grady said that he initially approached Mr Frisby outside the courtroom as he was alerted by a solicitor about the man's demeanour. Insp O'Grady said that there were other court users in the foyer area. He said that two solicitors were also present and he asked them to call 999 and explain that a Garda sergeant is looking for urgent assistance at Gort courthouse as Mr Frisby was resisting arrest.
Insp O'Grady said that he went to arrest Mr Frisby and he "completely resisted and was exceptionally aggressive and violent". The Garda Inspector said that then while he restrained on the ground, Mr Frisby "was kicking out and tried to hit towards me". He stated that Mr Frisby continued to be violent and aggressive and said that he sustained bruising to his shoulder and cuts to his knees, hands and elbows. Solicitor for Mr Frisby, Daragh Hassett said that his client wishes to apologise for his actions. State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey said that Mr Frisby has a previous conviction in March 2022 for assaulting a Garda in February 2020.
