Sinn Fein TD gives support to man who assaulted Garda

Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion last week gave a character reference in court to a man who was convicted for assaulting a Garda and behaving in an abusive and threatening manner, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

The TD, elected for the first time in February to the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, yesterday confirmed she gave a character witness statement on behalf of Keith Gilligan, and was in court in Kilkenny during the hearing last Thursday.

It is understood, that Gilligan, who had no prior convictions was arrested in connection with an incident during an anti-water charge protest during a visit of former Tanaiste Joan Burton to Kilkenny earlier this year.