A Sligo man has been given a suspended jail term after being aggressive and abusive to Gardaí at a Covid 19 checkpoint near Boyle over two years ago.
Joseph Clancy, of Carrowcrory, Ballinafad, Sligo, pleaded guilty to a number of charges, including making threats and assault arising out of an incident in April 2020.
Roscommon Circuit Court heard that the father of three was a passenger in a car that was stopped at a Covid checkpoint in Muckmoyne, Boyle being operated by Sgts Maura Martyn and Dermot Siggins.
The driver told Gardai they were on their way to do shopping before Mr Clancy became aggressive and got out of the vehicle. He began swearing at Gardai and started recording them before he opened the passenger door of a car driven by Inspector and now Superintendent Tom Colsh who arrived at the scene.
He was arrested and while in the back of the patrol car attempted to head-butt Sgt Siggins as well as making a rape threat to Sgt Martyn who was driving the car.
Judge Keenan Johnson also heard that the accused defecated in his cell and on his blanket and told garda that he had done it as he had no toilet paper.
An overall bill for damage to the garda car as well as a cleaning bill totalled €747.50.
The 28-year-old's mother gave evidence and said her son has experienced mental health difficulties since he was seven years of age and was not on his medication at the time of the offense and asked Judge Johnson to give him a chance.
Mr Clancy also gave direct evidence telling the judge he was horrified and ashamed of what he did and if he could change what he did, he would. He also admitted being off his medication for around six months before the incident, and he would pay any compensation required.
Passing sentence, Judge Johnson urged the accused to continue to take his medication and described his behaviour on the day as appalling.
He imposed a six-month jail term, suspended for three years on one charge. He also received another suspended six-month jail term which will be substituted for 240 hours of community service if he is deemed suitable by a probation report on another charge. The matter will return before the court in February for finalisation.
