Assault Med For Depression & Alcohol 09/11/2010 Ireland Woman Assaults Policeman: Mixed Depression Med With Alcohol, A Dangerous Combo
Assault Med For Depression & Alcohol 2010-11-09 Ireland Woman Assaults Policeman: Mixed Depression Med With Alcohol, A Dangerous Combo
Summary:

Paragraphs 12 & 13 read:  "Amanda Connolly, defending, said Connors doesn't usually drink as she takes medication for depression, but her best friend had committed suicide and she was very upset."

"Ms Connolly said Connors is a mother-of-three, is also a grandmother, and helps to look after her grandchildren."

Second paragraph reads:  "Margaret Connors (39) has suffered from depression since her husband and child died within weeks of each other over a decade ago and she said she should never have mixed alcohol with her medication."



http://www.herald.ie/national-news/courts/granny-39-bit-garda-on-hand-in-row-2412960.html


Granny (39) bit garda on hand in row

GRIEF: Upset at best friend's suicide

By Eimear Cotter

Tuesday November 09 2010

A DRUNKEN grandmother who bit a female garda and kicked out at her male colleague as they were arresting her for her own safety was distressed because her best friend had committed suicide, a court heard.

Margaret Connors (39) has suffered from depression since her husband and child died within weeks of each other over a decade ago and she said she should never have mixed alcohol with her medication.

The mother-of-three apologised for her behaviour, saying it was totally out of character.

A judge ordered Connors to complete 60 hours' community service in lieu of three months in prison.

Connors, of Bawnlea Avenue in Tallaght, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to assaulting a garda as well as public order offences.

The incident took place in the car park of Rathcoole Shopping Centre, on November 23, 2008.

Garda Stephen Kelly said he was called to the car park shortly before 1am following reports of a disturbance.

Garda Kelly said Connors and some of her family were in the car park, and she was roaring and shouting.

Kicking

She was very drunk, and gardai decided to arrest her for her own safety. Garda Kelly said when he went to arrest Connors, she struck out, hitting him in the face and kicking him on the leg.

The garda said when he and Garda Denise Cleary moved to handcuff Connors, she turned and bit Garda Cleary on the hand, breaking the skin.

The court heard Connors has 43 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic matters.

Amanda Connolly, defending, said Connors doesn't usually drink as she takes medication for depression, but her best friend had committed suicide and she was very upset.

Ms Connolly said Connors is a mother-of-three, is also a grandmother, and helps to look after her grandchildren.

She is very embarrassed about her behaviour and has apologised to gardai.

Judge Anthony Halpin ordered Connors to complete 60 hours' community service in lieu of three months in prison.

hnews@herald.ie

- Eimear Cotter