Carlow man threatened to assault garda and was abusive
Carlow Courthouse. Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A CARLOW man who threatened to assault a garda and used abusive language after gardaí were called to an alleged assault incident has been given a two-month suspended prison sentence.
Carlow District Court heard that 41-year-old David Waters of Sherwood, Pollerton Big, Carlow entered guilty pleas to public order offences under section 4, intoxicated in a public place, and section 6, using threatening or abusive language or behaviour.
Judge Geraldine Carthy was told that on 1 February at 9.46pm, gardaí were called to 10 Sherwood, Hacketstown Road, Carlow town in relation to an assault incident. When they arrived at the scene, they were met by Mr Waters, who became aggressive, the court heard. He was said to have called gardaí “verbally abusive names” and threatened to assault Garda Kinane.
The court also heard that Mr Waters continued to behave in an aggressive manner towards gardaí after he was arrested and brought to Carlow Garda Station.
Mr Waters has two previous convictions, both under the .
His most recent conviction was at Carlow District Court in January 2022 for possession, when he was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service and was also given a two-month prison sentence.
The court also heard of a previous drugs offence from 2012, for which he received a two-year prison sentence.
Defending solicitor John O’Sullivan said his client apologised for his behaviour and had wished to enter a plea at the earliest opportunity. “He apologises for his behaviour and wished to enter a plea at the earliest opportunity,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
The solicitor added: “He has had a very tough life. He moved to Carlow in recent years and accepts he gets himself into trouble when he takes a few drinks on board … he has recently become homeless but does work when he can.
“I ask you not to impose a sentence, to give him a chance if you can,” he said.
In respect of the section 6 offence, Judge Carthy convicted and sentenced Mr Waters to two months in prison, suspended for 12 months, on condition that he take up any services offered to him.
The section 4 offence was taken into consideration.
