Letterkenny Courthouse.
COURTS: A man who caused criminal damage and was accused of assaulting his partner tried to fight Gardaí and called them f***ing rats.
Martin McCarthy, 27, with an address at 91, The Woods, Ballymacool appeared at Letterkenny District Court yesterday morning.
The defendant appeared in court in relation to an incident at 42, Ballymacool Woods which occurred in the early hours of January 1st, 2016.
The court heard evidence from his partner Mrs Tracey Connors who retracted her accusation of assault against her husband.
Mr McCarthy also caused criminal damage at the property of Mrs Connors on the night in question.
Under cross examination from Inspector Goretti Sheridan, Mrs Connors told the court she wanted to drop all charges against her husband.
Mrs Connors said, “I want to drop all charges against my husband, the damage he caused has been repaired.”
Inspector Sheridan asked Mrs Connors was she under any pressure to withdraw her statement?
Mrs Connors replied, “I’m not under any pressure, nobody has put me under any pressure, I just want to put it behind me, and move on.”
The seriousness of what had happened was stressed by Inspector Sheridan and she again asked Mrs Connors was she happy to wash her hands off the incident.
Mrs Connors replied, “Yeah, I’m under no pressure, I just want to drop all charges.”
Garda Joseph English attended the scene on the night and question, and Inspector Goretti Sheridan read out his statement of events.
“On the night of January 1st, at around 5am – I was sent to a disturbance at Ballymacool.
“When I arrived at the address, I encountered an intoxicated Mr McCarthy, I noticed there was blood on his clothing.
“He attempted to engage in a fight with us and he called us f***ing rats.
“He was extremely aggressive and agitated and we subsequently arrested him.”
Solicitor for the defendant Michael Shiel said his client had a problem with alcohol and apologies profusely for his behaviour.
Mr Shiel told the court, “He’s instructed me to apologise for his actions and he deeply, deeply regrets his terrible behaviour.
“He has a problem with alcohol, and is actively seeking help for his addiction issues.
“He’s making a genuine effort to address these problems, and hasn’t drank alcohol since this incident.
“He’s a married man, and has two kids, but is currently unemployed.
“As I’ve already stressed he is very sorry for his actions, and has paid for the damage he caused to the window on his wife’s car.
“I’d ask the court to be lenient and allow him to continue his rehabilitation programme.”
Judge Paul Kelly addressed the court, “I think it’s important he continues to seek help for his drinking issues, and I think that’s in the best interests of all parties.
“I’ll adjourn the matter until July 4th, and I request a probation report to be ordered on the defendant.”