Man allegedly trapped garda in headlock after punching partner in the face at home in the Midlands

Two gardaí were allegedly slapped and caught in a headlock by a man who punched his partner in the face in front of an 18 month old child, it was claimed last week.

Fabiano Moraes Freitas (24) Tully House, Eyrecourt, Galway was in attendance at last week's sitting of Longford District Court to hear details in relation to an alleged incident at 36 Thomond Lodge, Ballymahon, Co Longford on November 6 last year.

Sgt Conor McShane, for the prosecution, said gardaí were called to deal with an alleged incident at the above named property.

He said when gardaí arrived, they noticed two men, one of whom being the accused standing outside.

During the incident, the court heard Mr Moraes Freitas punched his partner in the eye in an alleged attack that left her with bruising.

Sgt McShane said the alleged assault took place in front of a one and a half year old child.

Asked by Judge Bernadette Owens if the injured party availed of hospital treatment, Sgt McShane said the woman was “encouraged” to do so but ultimately declined the offer.

Sgt McShane said Mr Moraes Freitas was “extremely aggressive and violent” during his arrest.

The court heard that level of alleged unruliness coincided in Mr Moraes Freitas slapping Garda Emma Kiernan across her face before becoming embroiled in a scuffle with Garda Thomas Killian on the ground.

During that melee, Judge Owens was told Mr Moraes Freitas allegedly trapped the male officer 's head and neck in a headlock with the use of his legs.

That resulted in Mr Moraes Freitas being charged with two Section 19 alleged offences of resisting or obstructing a garda during the course of their duties.

He was further charged with a section 3 assault causing harm charge and two counts of public intoxication and using threatening or abusive behaviour respectively.

Upon hearing the State's case, Judge Owens accepted 'jurisdiction', meaning the case could be disposed of within the parameters of the District Court.

An order for 'disclosure' of all statements relating to the case was approved by Judge Owens with Mr Moraes Freitas being remanded on continuing bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on July 25.

It's expected that on that date, a plea or date for hearing will be made.