A LIMERICK man who was stopped at a routine traffic checkpoint verbally abused a Garda, pushed her out of the way, and took her radio when she tried to call for back-up.
Judge Carol Ann Coolican heard from Garda Leanne McCarthy that she stopped Shane McCarthy, of Church View, Askeaton to check his insurance as part of a routine check point on September 7, last year.
Giving evidence at Newcastle West District Court, Garda McCarthy said he “initially attempted to drive off, then he started shouting.”
“At one stage, when he was out of the car and I was standing between him and the vehicle, he pushed me aside. When I called for back-up, he swiped my radio.”
Mr McCarthy pleaded guilty to charges of obstruction of a Garda and threatening and abusive behaviour.
His solicitor told the court that his client’s son was ill and he himself has a medical condition.
“One word borrowed another on the day. He apologised,” the solicitor said.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson told the judge that Mr McCarthy had ten previous convictions, including for no insurance.
However, on this occasion Mr McCarthy’s insurance was in order.
Judge Coolican remanded Mr McCarthy on bail for a probation report, to appear again on July 4.
