A man was charged with multiple counts of assault after he kicked and bit three gardaí in the patrol car after they had arrested him.
Mourthadha Badine (24), of Rosscahill, Oughterard, appeared before Galway District Court in relation to assault committed against Garda PJ Noone, Sheena Gill, and Sgt Peter McGuinness.
He had previously indicated a plea of guilty to these charges in March of 2019, and at this hearing the court had the benefit of a probation report from last November.
A number of other charges including public order offences and failing to give details to the gardaí were withdrawn by the state.
Garda PJ Noone told the District Court that on April 7 of 2018 he was on duty with the drugs unit in Eyre Square and approached someone that was known to them.
While this was happening another person, Mourthadha Badine, approached the officers while yelling abuse.
He told them that he “hated fucking guards” and attempted to attack them, prompting his arrest.
On the way back to the station in the patrol car he continued to yell abuse and assault the three officers from the back seat of the car.
Garda Sheena Gill was kicked in the face by Mr Badine, while Garda Noone was kicked in the arm. He also bit Sgt Peter McGuinness in the arm.
The defence solicitor said that at the time Mr Badine was dealing with mental health issues made worse by alcohol and drugs.
It was added that the probation report shows that he is at a low risk of re-offending. It was also noted that Mr Badine is in the final of year of getting a PhD and plans to go work in the UK afterwards.
Judge Mary Fahy said that Mr Bardine’s attitude towards the gardaí was “shocking” and that she wanted him to produce compensation for each of the gardaí he assaulted.
She ordered him to pay over a sum of €2,000 which will be divided between the three gardaí, warning him that he is looking at jail if he doesn’t do so.
The court gave Mr Badine until May 11 of this year to pay over the compensation.
