Ireland Longford man given suspended sentence over abuse of garda
On Wednesday 3 May 2023 at Townpark, Longford, Bernie McDonald (33) issued a tirade of abuse and intimidation to Garda Aidan Lenehan during a seven-minute stand-off. The garda had gone to Annaly Gardens after a call about quad bikes on the green. McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge of breach of the peace, and the prosecution withdrew charges of having an uninsured vehicle and failing to produce insurance. Judge Deirdre Gearty at Longford District Court imposed a one month sentence suspended for 12 months, and the sentencing was reported in August 2024, with the latest development being the refusal of a destruction order for the quad bike.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced16 Aug
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Bernie McDonald (33) issued a tirade of abuse and intimidation to Garda Aidan Lenehan during a seven-minute stand-off.
- The garda observed a 10-year-old boy driving a quad bike around the public green.
- The garda said McDonald was aggressive and tried to take the key of the quad bike.
- Cause
- The garda had gone to Annaly Gardens after a call about quad bikes on the green.
- Where
- The breach of the peace took place at Townpark, Longford.
- When
- The incident happened on Wednesday, 3 May 2023.
- Charges
- McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge of breach of the peace.
- Charges of having an uninsured vehicle and failing to produce insurance were withdrawn by the prosecution.
- In court
- Judge Deirdre Gearty dealt with the case at Longford District Court.
- Sentence
- Judge Gearty imposed a one month sentence, suspended for 12 months.
- The judge refused a destruction order for the quad bike and directed that it be returned to McDonald.
- Other details
- McDonald had 23 previous convictions.
- The sentencing was reported by the Longford Leader; the tracker dates the article 16 August 2024, while the article itself gives 18 August 2024.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMcDonald issued a tirade of abuse and intimidation to a garda during a seven-minute stand-off. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatThe garda observed a 10-year-old boy driving a quad bike around the public green. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatThe garda said McDonald was aggressive and tried to take the key of the quad bike. (longfordleader.ie)
- whereThe breach of the peace took place at Townpark, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (longfordleader.ie)
- causeThe garda had gone to Annaly Gardens after a call about quad bikes on the green. (longfordleader.ie)
- chargeBernie McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge of breach of the peace. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case was dealt with by Judge Deirdre Gearty at Longford District Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceJudge Gearty imposed a one month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceThe judge refused a destruction order for the quad bike and directed it be returned to McDonald. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherCharges of having an uninsured vehicle and failing to produce insurance were withdrawn by the prosecution. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherThe defendant had 23 previous convictions. (longfordleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 16 Aug2024Longford man who subjected garda to tirade of abuse handed suspended sentence
Court report of the sentencing. Existing case 14184 concerns a different incident (21 April 2024, Clonbalt) involving Garda Aidan Lenehan, so it does not match.
convicted, Bernie McDonald, 33, male, named, irish (judged from name)Bernie McDonaldvictim, Aidan Lenehan, irish (judged from name)Aidan Lenehan