Man stopped in Laois allegedly called garda a ‘pig faced f**ker’
The man was pepper sprayed after being stopped by Gardaí in Portlaoise
A man allegedly called a garda “a pig faced f**ker” after being stopped in Portlaoise.
Ned Cash (19) of Ballydavis, The Heath, Portlaoise is accused of engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Rathbrennan, Portlaoise on August 17, 2024.
He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick requested the custody record for the date of the arrest.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it was a “straightforward” matter and he didn’t see the relevance of the custody record.
“The man was arrested. I think I am entitled to see the custody record,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.
“I am instructed that one of the gardaí on the date in question was using a body camera,” she said.
Sgt Kirby said “there are no body cameras in use by gardaí in Laois or Offaly.”
He offered a brief outline of the state’s case and said the allegation related to the defendant being stopped on the date in question.
Sgt Kirby said the defendant was alleged to have called a garda “a pig faced f**ker” and that he said, “if you want a go I will show you what’s what”. He said the man was pepper sprayed and restrained during his arrest. He said he was charged and released and had been cooperative at the garda station.
Ms Fitzpatrick said she would be anxious to see if any garda had made a notebook entry in relation to the arrest or whether there was a note relating to the man during his custody. She said the charge carries a possible three month sentence.
Judge Susan Fay said she would direct that the custody record and any notes relating to the arrest be furnished to the defence. She listed the case for mention on December 16 and fixed a hearing date for January 7, 2025.