GARDAÍ had to place a spit hood on a prisoner who became aggressive after an alleged incident in which his parter was left with a three-inch laceration above her eye.
Gardaí responded to a report of a domestic incident at 22 Gort na Greine, Letterkenny at 6.45am on April 28, 2020.
On arrival, Gardaí observed Jordan McClean topless in the garden and drinking from a bottle of vodka.
“He was extremely intoxicated and threatened Gardaí,” Sergeant Dalton told Letterkenny District Court.
“The injured party said he arrived home highly intoxicated and an argument ensued. She said she had been subjected to a violent assault in the hallway. When Gardaí arrived, she was covered in blood and was badly shaken.’.
The victim had a three-inch laceration above her right eye and was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital by ambulance.
McLean was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station.
Sergeant Dalton said: “He repeatedly spat in the patrol car and in the cell and he repeatedly threatened the Gardaí, who had no choice but to place a spit hood on him while he was in custody.”
McLean is on remand at Castlerea Prison and defence solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian said his client would be tendering an unconditional plea to the charge. Mr Dorrian said his client and the victim have three children together, one of whom is three-months old
“He went off for the evening with friends and became extremely inebriated,” Mr Dorrian said.
“He arrived back and the young lady took exception to his absence. The condition he was in when he came to court that day was indicative of that. He was utterly and completely insensible.”
McLean has previous convictions for road traffic matters and for possession of an article contrary to the firearms and offensive weapons act.
Judge Paul Kelly said that images of the victim’s injuries were ‘quite graphic’.
The matter was adjourned to allow for a victim impact statement to be obtained from the victim.
McLean was remanded in custody to appear before Letterkenny District Court on June 15.