This article is from page 17 of the 2007-05-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
GARDAI are entitled to protection from the courts, according to a judge who spoke out after hearing that a garda was kicked to the ground in Kilkee. Judge Carroll Moran was speaking at Ennis Circuit Court yes- terday in the case of two men who as- saulted a garda.
Daniel Lyons (24), of Carrigaholt, pleaded guilty, while Thomas Shee- han (20), of Luislahahan, Kilkee, pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty by a jury in March.
Sergeant John Ryan told the court that there was a disturbance at Strand Line, Kilkee, on August 22, 2004. Garda John Reidy found himself on the ground, where he was kicked and punched.
He said that Mr Lyons punched Garda Reidy into the face, while Mr Sheehan then kicked the garda a couple of times. Mr Lyons’ barrister Mark Nicholas said the incident was “quite frightening for gardai”. He said his client saw his brother was being arrested and tried to intervene.
Mr Sheehan’s barrister Pat Whyms
said his client had a very good job as a sales executive. His employer told the court he was “certainly surprised” to hear of the young man’s involvement in the incident.
Judge Carroll Moran said, “This is a serious case where Garda Reidy was kicked when he was on the ground.
“Members of An Garda Siochana are entitled to expect some protection from the courts. Fortunately their job is not always dangerous but it some- times is. Society expects that they be given some protection,” said the piece reren
“It is pretty cowardly to kick some- one on the ground,” he said. He said the “disgraceful offence” should mer- it jail, but accepted both accused had kept out of trouble since the incident. ‘Punishment can take many forms. It would do more harm than good to im- pose a custodial sentence.”
He imposed a two-year jail term on Sheehan, substituted with 240 hours community service. He adjourned the case for two months, to ascertain if he would be found suitable for the work. He also adjourned sentencing Mr Ly- ons until then.