This article is from page 24 of the 2013-05-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
A MAN has appeared in court charged with assaulting a garda in North Clare earlier this year.
Paddy Harty (40), with a former address at Lisheen Park, Partrickswell, Limerick, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
It is alleged that Mr Harty assaulted Garda David Keneally at Roughan, Kilnaboy on February 8 (2013).
He is further charged with possession of two stolen handbags at Roughan, Kilnaboy, on February 8 (2013). The court heard that a charge of illegal trespass was withdrawn against the accused.
Sgt Siobhan Redpath of Ennistymon Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of the assault charge.
The court heard that in response to charge after caution, Mr Harty said, “I was drunk guard. I apologise. I didn’t mean to do it.”
Evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of the second charge was given by Garda David Keneally of Ennistymon Garda Station.
Garda Keneally told the court that in reply to charge after caution, Mr Harty said, “I did not know those handbags were stolen. The car was open all day and I was drinking. There was another man with me.”
The court heard that the DPP directs summary disposal of the cases. Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction.
A legal aid application from solicitor Fiona Hehir was approved. Mr Harty, who is described as of no fixed abode, was remanded on bail to appear again in court on July 28.