Garda injured after being attacked by prisoner at Castlebar Court

by John Melvin

A MAN who attacked a member of An Garda Siochána in front of Judge Fiona Lydon at yesterday’s sitting of Castlebar District Court appeared today before Judge Brendan O’Reilly on a charge of an alleged assault relating to the incident.

The defendant had just signed a bail bond at yesterday’s court sitting on a charge of obstruction and a breach of the peace.

Moments after the defendant had signed his bail bond he attacked a female member of An Garda Siochana, who was on court duty.

Prison officers and other members of An Garda Siochana restrained the defendant before taking him into custody.

The garda suffered minor injuries and was very traumatised as a result of the incident.

This morning the defendant was brought before Judge Brendan O’Reilly, who was presiding at a special court sitting in Castlebar.

Inspector David Gibbons said there was a ‘strenuous objection’ to bail due to the seriousness of the alleged assault.

“We also feel the defendant is a danger to himself and to the public,” said Inspector Gibbons.

Mr. Joe Gannon, solicitor for the defendant, said he was advising his client not to seek bail and to agree to be remanded to Castlerea Prison where he would be assessed.

Judge O’Reilly remanded the defendant in custody to appear before Harristown Court.

Judge Reilly also recommended that the defendant be assessed to see if he is fit to plea to the charge that is before the court.