Donegal man threatened gardai with chainsaw
The man produced a chainsaw when gardai called to his Culdaff home while, in a separate matter, he was charged with the production of a fencing post
A man threatened gardai with a chainsaw when they called to his home in Culdaff.
Officers attended the home of Matthew Smyth at Dunross, Culdaff on April 16, 2021.
Gardai initially attended after a report that Smyth had allegedly punched his father and threatened him with a broken glass.
When gardai attempted to interact with Smyth, he produced a chainsaw.
Sergeant Jim Collins told Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court that Smyth was intimidating gardai.
“There was no chain in the chainsaw, but he was swinging it at the gardai,” Sergeant Collins said. Smyth threatened the gardai and told them not to enter the house.
Smyth was calmed down and dropped the chainsaw. Sergeant Collins said Smyth was apologetic.
Smyth was charged that he assaulted Christopher Smyth on April 16, 2021. He was also charged with producing an article, namely a broken half pint glass. Smyth was also charged with producing a chainsaw with the motor and blades running.
The accused was also charged in relation to another matter on February 1, 2021. Then, he produced a fence post and used it to intimidate gardai by swinging it in their direction.
Ms Carrie Hegarty, solicitor for Smyth, said a plea had been tendered in the case.
Ms Hegarty told the court that a probation report was ‘favourable’ to her client, who has not come to the adverse attention of gardai since 2021.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case until September 4.