Finance worker punched, kicked and spat on female garda in ‘disgusting’ attack
Joshua Hesketh (32) assaulted the officer after she tried to “de-escalate” a row he was having with his partner on a city centre street, a court heard
Joshua Hesketh. Photo: Irishphotodesk.ie
A finance worker punched, kicked and spat in the eyes of a female garda in a “disgusting” attack after a night out in Dublin “got out of hand”.
Joshua Hesketh (32) assaulted the officer after she tried to “de-escalate” a row he was having with his partner on a city centre street, a court heard.
Judge Peter White said his actions were “reprehensible” but spared him jail, giving him a two-month suspended sentence.
Hesketh, of Gorse Crescent, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a garda; obstruction; threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour; and refusing to give his name.
A garda told Dublin District Court she saw the accused and a woman having an argument at Dawson Street in the early hours of June 29, as the pubs and clubs were emptying.
She heard Hesketh say “you f**king tramp” a number of times.
The gardaí tried to speak to him and break up the argument but had to arrest him.
Hesketh resisted, kicking out at the gardaí, and it took five officers to handcuff and restrain him.
He refused to get into the garda van, saying “get your f**king hands off me, you f**king tramp, or else you’ll see”.
He kicked, punched and shoved the garda, who fell backwards, and spat in her face.
It landed on her forehead and eyes.
He threatened gardaí he would “get them” when released
The accused continued to spit and kick out and had to be pepper-sprayed.
He threatened gardaí he would “get them” when released, called them “w**kers” and said his name was “Josh f**k you” when asked.
Defence solicitor Niall O’Connor said Hesketh was on a night out with his partner, had “far too much alcohol on board” and “things simply got out of hand”.
His shoulder became dislocated during the incident and Hesketh was “in agony”, angry and upset.
The accused told the court he had “apologised 20 times”.
He worked in stocks and shares and had no previous convictions.
Judge White said the accused’s behaviour was “reprehensible” and spitting in the garda’s face was “disgusting” conduct.
The judge suspended the two-month sentence but told the court he was doing so “reluctantly”.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 16th
