Published: Wednesday, 4th August, 2010 5:00pm

District court briefs

Prison for headbutting garda

A young Cootehill man who headbutted a garda was handed down a five-month prison sentence when he pleaded guilty to the offences at a sitting of Cavan District Court.

Patrick Pierce, 51 Drumnaveil, Cootehill, was sentenced for assaulting garda Edward Brady at Drumnaveil, Cootehill, on March 8. A charge of using or engaging in threatening behaviour was taken into account.

He was given a concurrent three-month term for using or engaging in threatening behaviour at Market Street, Cootehill, on November 1.

Inspector Seamus Boyle told the court that at 4.30pm, gardai Brady and Connell received a report from a sister of the defendant that he was drunk in their house. When the gardaí arrived, Patrick left the house and went out into the estate. He became very abusive and head butted Garda Brady in the face.

The defendant was arrested and taken to Bailieboro Garda Station. He had twelve previous convictions.

In relation to the incident on November 1, the defendant was intoxicated and shouting abuse. He was involved in a row outside McNally's licensed premises and he would not calm down.

Larry Burke, solicitor defending, said his client had been given every chance by the Gardaí. He was a young man who went off the rails following the death of his father.

Judge Sean MacBride said it was a very serious assault on Garda Brady who was executing his duty. To head butt someone would not be tolerated.

Stradone man jailed for theft

A 19-year-old Stradone man who was described by the local district court judge as having "a bad record" was sentenced to three months when he appeared on a theft charge.

Joseph Dunne, Knockanorak, Stradone, was charged with stealing a cream cake and Kit Kat bar to the value of €3.79 from Dunnes Stores, Church Street, Cavan, on April 11. A charge of failing to appear on bail at Cavan District Court on May 20 was taken into account.

He was given a concurrent three-month term for using or engaging threatening behaviour at Kinnypottle, Cavan, on May 20.

Inspector Seamus Boyle said that gardaí received a call from Dunnes Stores where security staff were holding the defendant who had been caught stealing the items. All of the items were recovered and he made a full admission. He had nine previous convictions.

With regard to the incident on May 20, he was with a group of young people who were drinking at St. Clare's. When the gardaí asked them to move on they became aggressive. The defendant was not the main perpetrator and was being led on.

Eirinn McKiernan, solicitor defending, said her client had been in foster care since he was ten and he was currently living at a homeless centre in Drogheda. He urgently required medical treatment for alcohol and drugs.

Judge Sean MacBride said they best he could do for the defendant was three months, which was light, as the maximum was twelve. He directed the defendant receive treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and that he be medically examined and prescribed appropriate medicines. He also said the defendant should be psychologically examined and provided with an after-care programme.