Kildare man gets nine months for vandalising garda car
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who got abusive with paramedics treating him and then vandalised the arresting squad car as he was being taken away was sentenced to nine months in prison.
However, as 38-year-old Jason Connolly of St Moling's Way, Timolin, Ballitore will not actually suffer any of this sanction, as he was appearing in Athy District Court from custody, where he is serving a sentence for a serious assault, and is not due for release until a date in June 2025.
Earlier the court heard how Mr Connolly had been receiving treatment from paramedics at 12.45am from paramedics at Sunny Hill, Kilcullen on 15 June when he began to be abusive.
When the gardaí were called and he was arrested, “he dirtied the inside of the squad car with mucus and brought on a self-induced seizure”, according to Sergeant Dave Hanrahan.
He explained that the cleaning cost the State €150.
His solicitor Tim Kennelly told the court that Mr Connolly had been abusing cocaine at the time and wants to “apologise profusely”.
The court was told Mr Connolly had suffered two personal tragedies in recent times.
Judge Desmond Zaidan then sentenced Mr Connolly to nine months in prison from that date, meaning he won’t have to spend any more time in prison than that to which he is presently sentenced.
“I’m giving you a chance. You’re a young man, get a grip on your life,” concluded the judge.
