Suspended sentence for drunk man who assaulted gardaí

By Eimear Dodd

A man who assaulted two gardai at Dublin Airport Garda Station while he was intoxicated has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence.

Stuart Kelly (36), of Parnell Square, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a female garda causing her harm and one count of common assault of another female garda at Dublin Airport Garda Station on October 15, 2022.

Evidence was heard that Kelly took a flight from the United Kingdom the day before and was intoxicated.

He was arrested at Dublin Airport and taken to the garda station. While there, he required assistance as he was in distress.

The first victim and other gardai went to assist him. Kelly became aggressive, then wanted to make a phone call using his phone.

Afterwards, he resisted and there was a prolonged struggle to get him back into the cell. Once inside, he reached through the open hatch and pulled a clump of hair from the head of the first garda, who then fell.

She suffered pain to her head and neck and was missing a clump of hair.

Separately, he struck the second garda, shoving her against a wall outside the cell. She fell and suffered soft tissue injuries.

A victim impact statement from the first female garda was handed in but not read out.

Kelly has several previous convictions, including for arson from 2009 for which he was fined.

The garda agreed with Keith Spencer BL, defending, that Kelly’s previous convictions are of some antiquity.

Mr Spencer said his client had travelled back from London as his mother had experienced a health issue and had took some drink on the flight.

Counsel told the court his client has brought €1,000 to court as a gesture of remorse and has written a letter of apology to both gardai.

Mr Spencer said his client was very emotional and had taken alcohol that day. He said his client apologises unreservedly and is aware that his actions were traumatic.

His client was working in the United Kingdom as a bus driving instructor, but hasn’t been working recently. He intends to return to the UK.

Judge Martin Nolan noted that gardai attempted to help Kelly in his cell while he was distressed and “for their trouble, they were attacked and assaulted”.

The judge commended the gardai for their work on the night.

He said the court took into account that Kelly was distressed, but said “that is not an excuse for bad behaviour”, noting that he had been intoxicated.

He imposed a sentence of 18 months suspended on strict conditions.

He directed that €800 should be offered to the first victim and €200 to the second. If they decline, the money should be given to charity.