A 57-year-old man has escaped jail after pleading guilty to beating up two Clare Gardaí.
Married father of three James Ryan of Grange Road, Ballina Co. Tipperary was handed a suspended 18 month jail term for the assault causing harm of two Gardaí in the town.
Ennis Circuit Court heard how this incident was sparked by a late night row over a bag of chips, on September 19th, 2015.
James Ryan was in dispute with the owner of New York Pizza in Ballina, amid a row over whether he had paid for chips.
Gardaí Áine Troy and Tracy Corcoran were called to the scene from Killaloe Garda Station, but both were assaulted by him.
In a statement, Garda Troy called the incident frightening and upsetting, saying she received neck and shoulder injuries while Garda Corcoran says she sustained a “painful shoulder injury” which has affected her quality of life.
Mr. Ryan has no previous convictions, and Judge Gerald Keys said he was disappointed that he had not written a letter of apology to his victims since entering a guilty plea in February, and that his apology through his counsel came late in the day.
He imposed a wholly suspended 18 month prison term, on account of Mr. Ryan’s good character and submissions made on his behalf.
