Man (21) threatened to murder a Garda and his family and kicked another in the head
A 21-year-old man who seriously assaulted a Garda after threatening to murder him and his family is to be assessed for suitability to carry out community service.
Dylan McDonald, Ballybarrack, Knockbridge Road, Dundalk, was charged with assault causing harm and with using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or words, at Cappogue, Dunleer, on September 13, 2024.
The district court heard that he has no previous convictions and had completed residential treatment in the meantime.
Sgt Dave O'Leary said that at 6pm Gardaí received a report of dangerous driving on the M1. An officer who responded found an abandoned vehicle and met two men on the road.
Dundalk Courthouse
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One of them was Mr McDonald who gave a false name and told the Garda to 'F**k off'.
He became aggressive and threatened to murder the guard and his family. He eventually calmed down and was seated on the road.
However, the defendant then kicked the member of the Roads Policing Unit in the back of the head with his heel. The Garda sustained a cut and swelling and was off duty for one week as a result. A medical report and photographs were available.
Sgt O'Leary added that Mr McDonald continued to be abusive at Drogheda Garda Station.
Judge Nicola Andrews remanded him on continuing bail to November 12 for a probation report and community service assessment.
'I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour to Gardaí or anybody at all,' the judge said.
'It would be a good idea not to meet me in the meantime,' she told the defendant.
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