Former Limerick senator jailed for assaulting gardai at music festival

A FORMER Limerick senator has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for assaulting three gardai during an incident in North Cork two and-a-half years ago.

James Heffernan, 39, of Ballinlyna, Kilfinane was convicted, earlier this year, of assaulting the three gardai near Mitchelstown on July 31, 2016.

According to reports in the national media, the incident occurred shortly after he was ejected from the Indiependence music festival which was taking place at a site on the outskirts of the town.

During a sentencing hearing, this Friday, Judge Brian Sheridan said Mr Heffernan – who served on Limerick County Council for two years between 2009 and and 2011 – was in “complete blanket denial” of his “ Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” behaviour.

The judge said the qualified teacher “blamed everyone but himself” for what happened and believed he was a victim.

Nikki O'Sullivan BL, said her client was a “very active contributing member of society” until his career trajectory and personal life "fell off a cliff."

She said the former senator is making efforts to address his addiction and mental health issues and is being supported by his family.