Clondalkin woman physically blocked garda car when brother was arrested

Clondalkin woman physically blocked garda car when brother was arrested

By Brendan Grehan

A WOMAN who blocked a garda patrol car from taking away her brother got the Probation Act in Blanchardstown Court.

The Gardaí were arresting Paula Melia’s brother on a bench warrant.

Blanch Courthouse 4

Melia, aged 26, with an address at Shancastle Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Shancastle Drive on May 30, 2016.

Sergeant Walter Sweeney told Judge McHugh that on May 30, 2016, the gardaí had gone to execute a bench warrant and arrest Melia’s brother.

He said Melia attempted to prevent the arrest and became aggressive.

He said Melia’s brother was put in a patrol car and Melia then stood in the middle of the road blocking the car from taking her brother away.

Sgt Sweeney said further gardaí were called and she was arrested.

Sgt Sweeney said Melia has five previous convictions, including one for no insurance.

Melia’s counsel, Jennifer Jackson BL, said her client wanted to apologise to the gardaí for her behaviour which was “completely out of character”.

She said that Melia felt that her behaviour could have been caused by some medication she had taken earlier.

Judge McHugh said that after considering Melia’s plea he would apply the Probation Act.

He said that it was “probably an act of misplaced loyalty, but I find the excuse of the medication less believable”.

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