Youth charged with attack on retired garda

Youth charged with Lough Lannagh attack on retired Garda


Edwin McGreal
edwinmcgreal@mayonews.ie

A youth has been charged with assault causing harm after an attack on a retired garda who was walking with his wife at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, on Thursday evening last.
The youth (15), who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Swinford District Court on Friday where he was remanded on bail to appear before Ballina District Court early next month.
The man, who is in his 50s, was walking with his wife at the new Riverwalk at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, at approximately 6pm on Thursday evening when he was set upon by the youth in what is believed to have been a random attack.
The Mayo News understands the man was knocked to the ground, and that although he sustained cuts and bruises to his face, he managed to get the attacker off him. The retired garda got back to his feet, gave chase and managed to catch the assailant, who had run away. Although the youth subsequently escaped, he was arrested shortly afterwards by local gardaí.
The victim was treated at Mayo General Hospital for his injuries and has since been released.
The Riverwalk has become a popular destination for recreational walkers in the town. Commenting on the incident, Castlebar town councillor Ger Deere said it was important that people were not scared away from the amenity by what he described as an ‘isolated, random attack’.
“There is a fear out there because of this incident and that is understandable because it is frightening to think that this would happen to someone out walking with their wife. But what I would say to people is that this was an isolated, random attack and the gardaí, to their credit, made a very quick arrest.
“Lough Lannagh is safe to walk around, it is important that people appreciate that. It is a wonderful facility for the town and it is important that a one-off incident like this doesn’t stop people from using the Riverwalk,” he told The Mayo News.

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