Compensation order for assault on Garda

A 35-year-old man was told to bring a further €3,000 in compensation to court in October in order to avoid an immediate custodial sentence.

Shane Fetherstone, with an address at 11 Lanesboro Street, Roscommon, appeared before Judge James Faughnan at a recent sitting of Roscommon District Court. He pleaded guilty to the obstruction of a Garda, assault causing harm to the same garda on the same date, and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour.

The court had heard previously that on October 16th, 2025, gardaí were called to a public order incident at The Walk where the accused was highly intoxicated. He was arrested and brought back to the station, where he was wilfully obstructing gardaí.

Sergeant Mark Mahon told Judge James Faughnan that gardaí were called to the incident and found the accused intoxicated. He threatened gardaí and was abusive, telling a Garda to f@*k off. Force had to be used to get the accused into the garda van and he resisted at all times, the court heard.

When he was being put into the cell, he grabbed the Garda’s wrist causing her severe pain. A medical report was handed in to court.

His solicitor Con Harlow said the accused unreservedly apologised to the gardaí, the community, and the court.

Judge Faughnan replied that he understood the apologies but noted the accused had a previous conviction for assault causing harm. In terms of compensation, the judge warned that he wanted a significant amount or the accused faced “going away for 10 months”.

Sgt Mahon said that the Garda has now left the force but he was not linking that to the assault.

Judge Faughnan said he wanted a further €3,000 for the former Garda, saying that if this was done by September he would impose a seven month sentence, suspended for three years.

*Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme