Thurles man made ‘rude gestures’ at school children and assaulted a guard

A man made “rude hand gestures” at school children and assaulted a guard, Thurles District Court has heard.

Jamie Treacy, 33, of 8 Cluain Dara Monadreen pleaded guilty to assault on Liberty Square, Thurles on February 1, 2022.

The court heard that gardaí stopped the defendant because he was shouting and making rude hand gestures at school children.

When the guard attempted to restrain him, he dug his fingernails into the guard’s hand and broke the skin. The man had 23 previous convictions, including one for obstructing gardaí.

Solicitor for the defendant Colin Morrisey said that the man had apologised to the guard. He said his client had been going through a difficult period and had been self-medicating with alcohol.

However, he said his client has gained employment and that had helped to “focus his mind”.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath asked Mr Morrisey what his client had been doing to resolve his alcoholism.

Mr Morrissey said that the defendant had difficulties with alcohol for a number of years but had not taken any formal steps.

He said that while his client is not “fully sober”, he did know he needed to “sort himself out”.

Mr Morrissey asked that his client be given community service.

Judge MacGrath acknowledged the man’s conduct but said she would issue a community service order.

The matter was adjourned until the end of June.