Mayo man accused of spitting in garda's mouth

A MAYO man is accused of spitting saliva and phlegm into the mouth of a detective after becoming aggressive with him while being interviewed after his arrest for alleged possession of child porn.

James Morrin of Gortnaclasser, Cong appeared before Castlebar District Court after he was charged with assaulting Detective Garda John Lynsky in Castlebar Garda Station on November 8, 2024.

In outlining the allegations against Mr Morrin for jurisdictional purposes, Detective Sergeant Gerry Lee explained that while he was being interviewed following his arrest for suspicion of possessing child pornography, the defendant became aggressive and attacked Detective Garda Lynsky.

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Judge Sandra Murphy was informed that it is alleged that Mr Morrin said 'I'd rather go to prison for assaulting a guard' before lunging at Detective Garda Lynsky.

Det Sgt Lee said it is alleged that Mr Morrin was within one inch of the garda's face when he spat with full force into the face and mouth of Detective Garda Lynskey with saliva and phlegm entering his mouth.

The court heard it took three male gardaí to restrain Mr Morrin and place him in handcuffs.

Det Sgt Lee said that Det Garda Lynsky was repulsed by the alleged actions of Mr Morrin and stated that he would have preferred to receive 'a few slaps' or broken bones than what was done to him.

The court heard that Mr Morrin is bisexual and there were concerns regarding his sexual history and it was a number of months before Det Garda Lynsky received the all clear. Det Sgt Lee said this had an impact on the garda's family life.

Det Sgt Lee said that his colleague is six foot four inches and believes that given the alleged comments made by Mr Morrin, the incident was premeditated. He added that from the time of his arrest to his interview, Mr Morrin was treated with respect at all times.

After hearing the allegations against Mr Morrin, Judge Murphy said that she was refusing jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until December 17 for DPP consent to have the matter dealt in the circuit court.

The court also heard that Mr Morrin is also charged with possession of child porn and sent forward for trial on two charges to the next sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court on February 9, 2026.