Horse damages garda car in Athy
Gardaí at Athy District Court said the defendant could not control his horse
A MAN pleaded guilty to charges after his horse became unruly and damaged a Garda patrol car.
James Broughall (30) of Flinters Close, Athy, was charged under Section 45 of Control of Horses Act 1996, after he was unable to bring his black Frieisan horse to a halt at Inver Petrol Station in Athy on 25 November 2025, as instructed by gardaí.
The man, who was on his horse and cart on the November morning, was instructed by gardaí to bring the horse onto the petrol station grounds and stop by the car wash.
Sergeant Ruth Coleman told the court that the man was on a sulky and “couldn’t control the horse”.
She further explained that while sulky racing is illegal, it is not illegal to own or use a sulky.
She called it “an extreme headache for gardaí”.
Mr Broughall stepped in and told the court that he was not on a sulky, but on a cart, as the horse was too large for a sulky.
The defendant’s solicitor, Jacqueline McManus, who called the horse “a stunning animal”, told the court that the horse “got a fright” and damaged the car.
The horse became unruly and kicked the garda vehicle, which sustained damages of €500 to a rear passenger door.
While the garda car might have taken damage, but the horse is said to be doing well.
In an update on the horse's wellbeing, Ms McManus said: “He’s doing well. He just had a baby, a little foal.” The man was instructed to pay the damages, as well as a fine of €1,000.
