Longford woman held onto garda while "shouting and screaming" in local estate, court hears

Donna McDermott (38) of 4 Cluainn Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford was charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on April, 4, 2021 and the theft of one bottle of Bushmills an three bottles of Clontarf whiskey valued at €80 form Aldi supermarket on March 20, 2020.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh represented the defendant in proceedings. Sergeant Mark Mahon outlined the details of the charges against McDermott.

Sgt Mahon said the April '21 incident happened at 1:20pm at Palace Crescent, Longford when officers were arresting the defendant's partner. Ms McDermott became abusive to Gardaí and intervened, holding on to the Garda while shouting and screaming. The incident happened on the green of the housing estate.

Regarding the theft, the prosecutor said the defendant took the alcohol from the supermarket and passed all points of payments. The defendant was apprehended, admitted her actions and all the items were recovered.

Ms Mimnagh informed the judge her client is currently in custody and is “doing well” despite her “struggles with drug addiction”. The solicitor outlined how Ms McDermott is engaging with addiction services while in prison. Ms Mimnagh said the defendant is awaiting a sentencing in a Circuit Court matter and “will probably spend time in prison”.

The legal representative explained how her client hopes to attend Coolmine rehabilitation centre on her release from custody.

Noting the items were recovered and accepting the defendant's early plea Judge Owens imposed a one month custodial sentence for the public order offence, but backdated it to March 15.

Judge Owens then took the other charges Ms McDermott faced into consideration.