Woman kicked out at gardai

A Nenagh woman was handed a suspended prison sentence after she kicked two gardaí in the course of her arrest.

Nenagh District Court recently heard that Teresa Foley (54) of Coille Bheithe was “deeply ashamed and upset” and offered a full apology for her actions at St

Conlon’s Road on October 4, 2023. Garda Hughes and Garda Fitzgerald responded to a reported domestic disturbance and found Ms Foley “extremely intoxicated”. She became abusive to the gardaí and lashed out at them, kicking Garda Fitzgerald in the chest and kicking Garda Hughes’ shins.

She refused to get into the garda patrol car and had to be physically restrained. There were members of the public present. Garda Hughes sustained significant bruising to her legs.

The court was told that Ms Foley had been off of alcohol for 17 years but had a relapse. She had no previous convictions.

“Very disturbing and shocking episode,” stated Judge Marie Keane. “You certainly lost the cool with the gardaí.” She added that the defendant had “very limited engagement with the probation services”.

“This type of behaviour is not going to be tolerated,” stated Judge Keane. She handed Ms Foley a three-month prison sentence, which was suspended for a period of two years in her own bond of €100. “If she comes to the attention of gardaí… she will serve a sentence,” the judge warned. “It is up to her.”