Suspended sentence for man who spat at and was abusive to Gardai

A MAN who spat at a Garda repeatedly has been in custody since February 13, the district court heard last week.

In his evidence, Sgt James O'Sullivan said that on June 25, 2022, a Garda heard a noise outside the Kilbeggan Garda station.

When he went to investigate he saw Tibor Pohl (52) 57, Main Street, Kilbeggan, trying to break a Garda sign from the wall. He was threatening and abusive and was arrested.

On October 27, 2022,Gardai heard a knocking and banging on a door across the road. Mr Pohl was again threatening and abusive. While he was in the patrol car he spat several times at Garda Conor Wynne. An anti spit guard was used.

On May 24, 2022 at Tullamore Garda Station Mr Pohl handled stolen property namely one bottle of Scotch whiskey knowing it was stolen.

On the same date he had with him a knife which had a blade which was sharply pointed. He was also highly intoxicated on Main street on the same date. He had previously failed to show up in court on February 8, 2023,

He had 11 previous convictions, the last of which was in Athlone where he was sentenced to two months in the Midlands Prison.

Solicitor Donal Farrelly said the defendant was a 52-year-old Czechoslovakian native and was married with two children.

He had been in Castlerea prison since February 13. 2023. He had found himself out on the street when his landlord ''upped the rent'' and he was very distressed, said Mr Farrelly.

He is hopeful of getting back with his wife and back to the life he had before. He hopes he can re-engage and put his life back together again, he said.

On the charge of criminal damage Judge Andrew Cody sentenced the defendant to three months in prison which he suspended for three years. F

or assaulting Garda Conor Wynne,Mr Pohl received a three month suspended sentence to run consecutively.

If there are any further offences from this date Judge Cody said Mr Pohl will go to prison for six months.