Top garda assaulted in car with his family

The top garda in the North-West was attacked in his car twice as his wife and daughter looked on in horror.

However, the man who carried out the attack claimed he could notremember it, Sligo District Court heard yesterday.

Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny was punched repeatedly on the arms by a drunk and crazed Peter Carty, of Eaglet House, Strandhill, Sligo, as he sat waiting for the lights to change at the junction of Strandhill and Larkhill Rd on Dec 27, 2011.

Mr Kenny managed to fend off his assailant on two occasions, the court heard.

The region’s highest ranking officer, Mr Kenny was stopped at the lights when Carty opened the driver’s door and attacked the officer.

Mr Kenny managed to restrain his assailant and forced him out on the footpath.

However, Carty then got into the car through another back door, near where Mr Kenny’s daughter was sitting, before again being ejected.

However, Carty came back a third time towards the front passenger door and Mrs Kenny was obliged to hold the door shut, the court heard.

Inspector Sean MacGi-nty told the court that Carty had struck Mr Kenny on a number of occasions during the attack.

Carty, who has a previous conviction for assaulting a peace officer in 2006, apologised for his actions and said he had no recollection of the incident.

He admitted assaulting Mr Kenny, being drunk, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and trying to get into a car.

Insp MacGinty asked Carty what would have happened if two elderly people had been in the car, or there had been just two women in the vehicle during the attack.

Carty said he was very sorry for the distress he had caused, and very embarrassed, and said that he had let his elderly parents “down again”.

Defence solicitor Deirdre Munnelly said that Carty was very remorseful.

His client had been off alcohol but had fallen spectacularly off the wagon after a tragedy.

Ms Munnelly said her client had got psychiatric help for his alcohol and drug issues, and had received treatment in St Columba’s.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said it was a very serious assault.

He noted that Carty had previous convictions that dated back to 2006.

The judge also noted that Carty had two previous convictions for assault causing harm.

“Drink is his problem” said Judge Kilrane. “I am going to give him a chance.”

The judge remanded Carty on continuing bail until Sept 20.

He ordered Carty to get psychiatric and counselling help. The judge also ordered reports on Carty’s progress.

Carty was also ordered to attend AA meetings.