Kildare woman alleged to have assaulted garda 

A young woman who is alleged to have assaulted a garda following her arrest on public order offences appeared before a sitting of Naas District Court last week.

Leanne Dowling (25) of Cedarwood Park, Newbridge is charged with being drunk and abusive in public on 26 June 2023, and then, following her arrival at Newbridge Garda Station, she allegedly assaulted a garda during processing.

At her first hearing in July 2023, Sergeant Brian Jacob made a point of telling the court that it was “a Section 2 assault” that is a minor assault that didn’t leave a bruise or break the skin.

This week, however, his successor Sergeant Dave Hanrahan said: “(The garda) was scratched on the neck and arms and face”, and that it was now “a Section 3 assault (causing harm).”

“(Ms Dowling) been here on each and every occasion; she’s been to my office as well and instructs me she wants the matter dealt with today,” said solicitor Tim Kennelly.

“It’s only been once in court,” said Sgt Hanrahan.

“That’s not exactly accurate,” declared Mr Kennelly.

The court was told the the injured party wasn’t in court and Mr Kennelly sought a strike-out, but Judge Desmond Zaidan declined that request.

“I’ll grant one more adjournment to Judge (John) Brennan’s special sitting on 15 April,” he said, marking it pre-emptory against th