A man who punched a Garda in the face during an operation into thefts from cars has been jailed for nine months.
Enda McGowan was approached by Gardai as he rummaged through cars in Letterkenny.
As Garda Emmet Brady approached McGowan at Orchard Grove on April 16th last year, McGowan lashed out and struck the Garda as he was being pepper-sprayed.
McGowan, of Dromore, Letterkenny, appeared at Letterkenny District Court.
Garda Inspector Goretti Sheridan told the court that tempers frayed “He punched Garda Brady in the face and then fled.”
He was apprehended nearby.
He is already currently serving a prison sentence for previous burglary charges.
As well as stealing property form a car at Orchard Grove, McGowan pleaded guilty to stealing two black puddings from the Dry Arch Service Station in Letterkenny on September 4th last year.
Judge Paul Kelly sentenced McGowan to a total of nine months in prison on the two theft charges and the assault on Garda Brady.
McGowan is currently serving 18 months in prison after repeatedly breaking into the home of a housewife and stealing sums of money from it.
He was caught after the woman installed CCTV inside her home and caught McGowan in the act on camera.