COURT: International boxer pepper sprayed by gardaí in Kildare bus incident

An international boxer who became abusive to passengers on a bus near Kilcock was prosecuted at Naas District Court.

John McDonagh, 26, whose address was given as 16 Carton Road, Poppintree, Ballymun, was prosecuted for obstructing a garda on September 24, 2021, at the M4 Kilcock on September 24, 2021.

The court heard that the gardaí received a public order call from the driver as  the vehicle travelled from Dublin to Galway.

The defendant was intoxicated and was being abusive to other passengers.

The court heard that the defendant was highly intoxicated and highly agitated and he was travelling to a birthday party. He refused to provide personal details.

Sgt Mary Meade said the defendant became increasingly abusive and aggressive and more gardaí were required.

A number of gardaí were needed to get him off the bus and pepper spray was used.

The defendant was arrested at 3pm.

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The court heard that the defendant has a dozen previous convictions, including four for public order matters.

Barrister Mark Gibbons said the defendant entered prison on November 15 last.

He was struggling with alcohol abuse and this brought about behaviour he is ashamed of.

He said the defendant apologises.

He also said the defendant was going through a difficult break-up at the time and has three children.

The defendant appeared by videolink and showed a certificate he had attained in custody. He also read a letter apologising for his behaviour and previous convictions.

He said he grew up in a deprived area and he had  also represented Ireland on a few occasions in boxing competitions.

He also apologised to the gardaí and anybody affected by his behaviour, which he attributed to an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. He began taking these because of depression.

Imposing a thirty day term, Judge Desmond Zaidan told the defendant he would get no more sympathy “because I have a duty to the public.”