Westport farmer kicked garda in the jaw during department inspection

A Westport man who assaulted a garda during an altercation on his farm involving Department of Agriculture officials is no longer involved in farming.

Patrick Geraghty (42) of Balloor West, Ayle, Westport, appeared before Castlebar District Court where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Sergeant John O’Boyle at his farm on May 12, 2023.

The court heard that the Gardaí had been asked to assist officials from the Department of Agriculture when inspecting the farm of Mr Geraghty.

Inspector Naomi de Rís, the court presenter, explained that when the officials visited the farm, Mr Geraghty got very upset and aggressive and would not engage with them.

She explained that Mr Geraghty continued to be aggressive while on the public road and the gardaí who were present had to arrest him for public order offences. During an attempt to restrain Mr Geraghty, he kicked out and swung a foot which connected with the jaw of Sgt John O’Boyle.

The court heard that Mr Geraghty lives in a rural part of Westport and has had difficulties running his farm following the deaths of his parents, which has had a great impact on him.

His solicitor, Gary Mulchrone, explained that following this incident, Mr Geraghty was given assistance in getting his affairs in order by John Dallon, a farmer from Co Kildare who was asked to assist him.

Mr Dallon told Judge Fiona Lydon that the issues on the farm were animal-welfare related, in that he was not getting his cattle tested because he had let things get on top of him. Mr Dallon said he liaised with the Department of Agriculture to try to resolve issues. He revealed that Mr Geraghty is no longer farming and a young neighbour now farms the land. He said that Mr Geraghty lives alone and and has no family around him, apart from an elderly uncle.

Apology

Mr Mulchrone said his client wishes to apologise to the gardaí and the department officials for the way he reacted on the day.

Mr Geraghty has nine previous convictions, the majority of which are for road traffic offences. Mr Mulchrone said his client does not leave his home often or have much interaction with people ‘outside his own world’.

Judge Lydon expressed concern regarding the assault on Sgt O’Boyle and asked for Mr Geraghty to make an apology to him. She also asked for a pre-sanction report to explore issues which may need attention and to look at ways of integrating Mr Geraghty into the community.

She adjourned sentencing until July 16 to allow for the preparation of the report.