Driver overreacted to garda warning

A MOTORIST who was being given a verbal warning about driving with a mobile phone overreacted to such an extent that it took two gardaí to hold him down and they had to call for back-up.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin described it as a very serious case and he remanded the man in custody overnight.

The incident occurred at a routine checkpoint at lunchtime on December 13, 2010, in Cork city. Thomas Ryan, aged 32, who has anger management issues, was described as bringing the whole thing on himself.

Sergeant Dave Foley said that Garda Robert Stone would have been content to deal with the matter by way of a verbal admonishment. However, Ryan of 26 Hollymount, Blarney Road, Cork, became verbally abusive.

As Garda Stone was checking the tax disc on the car, Ryan called him a “fucking scumbag”.

Garda Stone placed his hand on Ryan’s arm and told him he was arresting him under the Public Order Act. Ryan reacted by saying “get your fucking hands off me”.

Ryan then lashed out at Garda Stone and Garda Alan Johnson.

Ryan was before Cork Circuit Appeals Court yesterday appealing a total of four months in jail for obstructive and threatening behaviour. Ryan will be brought back before the court in custody today for the judge’s decision.