One million views of video showing Leitrim man’s verbal abuse of a garda

A man who took a video of himself abusing a garda at a Covid checkpoint and then put it online garnering one million views and 8,000 comments was warned that he is “walking a very fine line” when he appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court.

Liam Aylward, Gubbs, Drumdiffer Road, Ballinamore pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Station Road, Mohill on May 5, 2020.

Sgt Lisa Sewell told the court that gardai had a Covid checkpoint in Mohill on the date in question.

A male garda stopped the defendant’s vehicle and greeted him “in a pleasant manner” and the defendant started an “immediate onslaught of verbal abuse” including a “string of profanities”.

Mr Aylward recorded his interaction for 23 minutes and 36 seconds and following this, posted the video on social media where it was viewed one million times and attracted more than 8,000 comments.

Defending solicitor, John Anderson, pointed out that his client “does admit to the offence” but also noted that he had received a “very favourable” probation report.

Judge Vincent Deane remarked that “on the basis of what I have heard here he’s (the defendant) walking a fine line”.

Sgt Sewell pointed out that Mr Aylward had never apologised to the garda subjected to his abuse since this offence.

At this Mr Aylward told the court: “I’m sorry. I do apologise. I was having a very bad day that day. It was not directed at (the garda).”

Judge Deane convicted and fined Mr Aylward €150 and ordered him to complete 80 hours of community service in lieu of a custodial sentence.

“You’re walking a very thin line right now,” he again warned the defendant.

“It’s not so much you had a bad day but then putting it up on social media.”

Sgt Sewell described Mr Aylward’s behaviour as “not acceptable”.

“There might be something you need to learn,” Judge Deane told the defendant, pointing out that the defendant's decision to put the video up online afterwards was an “aggravating factor” in this matter.

Judge Deane observed that it was only that the probation report was “so positive” or Mr Aylward “would be going to prison” for this offence.