COURTS: A man threw a saucepan of boiling water at a Garda after going on a rampage with an axe.
Sean Gibson, aged 28, of Hillhead, Castlfin appeared at Letterkenny District Court today charged with the incident which occurred at 6, Markets Close, Castlefin.
Gardaí were contacted by the accused man’s parents who were worried about his wellbeing and safety after they returned home to find an axe embedded in their wooden floor.
Other household items had been badly damaged as a result of Mr Gibson wielding the axe.
The defendant was taking refuge in a property close to his home, and it was at this location that Sergeant Jim Collins was assaulted in August last year.
Inspector Goretti Sheridan told the court, “The parents of Mr Sean Gibson were concerned after finding an axe embedded in the wooden floor, and other items in the house were badly damaged.
“They contacted Gardaí as they were extremely concerned about his safety and well-being, he was seeking refuge at an address nearby.
“However, when Gardaí arrived at the house, the defendant was not compliant and wouldn’t open the door for them as they attempted to negotiate with Mr Gibson.
“Mr Gibson then proceeded to verbally abuse Sergeant Collins, and it was at this point he threw a saucepan of boiling water at the Garda.
“The boiling water made contact with his arms and shoulder, he tried to lock the door, but Gardaí gained entry.
“The defendant was upstairs and he struck Sergeant Collins with the shaft of a brush on his head and tried to push him downstairs.
“He was eventually overpowered by Gardaí and subsequently arrested.”
Solicitor for the defendant Gordon Curley said his client was deeply remorseful for his actions, and said his issues with alcohol and cannabis were contributing factors in this incident.
Mr Curley told the court, “My client is 28 years of age, and he has a long, long history of mental health issues.
“He’s got issues with alcohol and cannabis, at the time of the incident he had broken up with his long-term girlfriend and was in a bad place.
The case was adjourned until November 21st after Judge Paul Kelly ordered a probation report in the case.