Expensive day in court for man who called garda a ‘fat bastard’

A 24-YEAR-OLD MAN who called a garda a “fat bastard” and threatened to “flatten him” was left with what the judge called an expensive night out when he was hit with €1,000 in compensation and a donation at a recent sitting of Monaghan District Court.

Sean Kelly of Aughrimbeg, Culloville, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan pleaded guilty to charges of being intoxicated and being abusive at West Street, Castleblayney on February 23, 2025.

Sergeant Lisa McEntee told the court that gardaí had observed the defendant acting in an aggressive manner and shouting obscenities.

When they approached him, he ran in front of the patrol car shouting, “You can’t catch me you fat bastard.” He then attempted to flee on foot before telling Garda Glen McGrane that he would “split him with a box” and “flatten him”.

He was attempting to physically push past Garda McGrane and was subsequently arrested.

The sergeant’s evidence prompted Judge Raymond Finnegan to put it to the defendant: “You’re a very hardy buck, aren’t you?”

When Mr Kelly replied that he hadn’t gone out drinking since then, the judge put it to him that he wouldn’t be drinking if he went to prison.

Stating that her client was a farmer and had no previous convictions for public order breaches, solicitor Catherine Taaffe said he was ashamed of his behaviour, which had happened after a disagreement with his girlfriend. This was an isolated incident, and he had been too embarrassed to apologise to the garda.

Judge Finnegan initially deferred the case to July 21 to allow €750 compensation be raised for Gda McGrane, as well as a further €250 for the court’s poor box. Otherwise there would be a €300 fine for the intoxication and two months’ imprisonment for the threatening behaviour.

It was confirmed that Mr Kelly had money with him and had handed the €1,000 in total over to Sgt McEntee.

Judge Finnegan told Mr Kelly that it had been an “expensive night out” for him, adding that he hoped he would “have manners the next time”.

Mr Kelly assured the court it wouldn’t happen again, and the matter was duly struck out.