Prison term for ‘emotional’ man who bit garda’s arm during Limerick assault

A GUINEAN national was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment after he admitted biting a garda who was trying to carry out a search at his home in Limerick.

Ousmane Baah, aged 29, of no fixed abode, also received a consecutive one month sentence for kicking the window of a fast-food restaurant in the city centre after he was refused entry.

Limerick District Court was told the assault matter happened at an address on the southside of the city at around 9am on July 5, last.

Sergeant Donal Cronin said gardai had called to the property and were seeking to locate another person when the defendant started to complain in a “not very polite way”.

He became increasingly aggressive and following an altercation in the sitting room of the house bit the garda’s arm – resulting in bruising.

Addressing the court, Mr Baah, who has more than 70 previous convictions, apologised saying he was emotional.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan said her client believed he was the intended target of the garda operation but now accepts he was out of order.

Imposing a three month prison sentence, Judge O’Leary expressed concern that a number of young children were in the house at the time. She also commented that a number of testimonials submitted to the court “did not accord” with his conduct on the day.

A one-month sentence was imposed in relation to the criminal damage incident at Supermacs, O’Connell Street at 12.10am on August 8, last.