A 27-year-old Limerick man who violently assaulted two gardaí has been described by a senior member of the force as one of the most violent criminals in Limerick city.
Det Sgt Eamonn O'Neill was giving evidence at the sentencing hearing of Wayne Dundon, who last month was convicted of threatening to kill a 19-year-old barman at Brannigan's pub in Limerick city on December 19th last.
Ryan Lee was injured after he was shot twice later that same night but no one was ever charged with the shooting.
Dundon, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, was convicted by a jury last month of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mr Lee.
The court heard that Dundon made the shape of a gun with his hand, put it to the barman's head and said "f**k you, you're dead" after Mr Lee refused to let Dundon's 14-year-old sister into the bar.
Dundon was also convicted last month of assaulting the two gardaí while he was in custody being questioned about the incident at Brannigan's.
At the sentencing hearing yesterday, Judge Carroll Moran was told that one of the gardaí, Det Arthur Ryan, had been unable to return to work since the assault on December 22nd.
The court heard that Dundon punched Det Ryan several times in the face. The garda is still undergoing treatment for injuries to his teeth and jawbone.
Garda Brendan Casey who was punched twice by Dundon during the same incident described the accused "violently hitting" Det Ryan.
The court heard that Dundon began "lashing out" while being questioned about the threat against Mr Lee.
Judge Moran was told yesterday that Mr Lee and his family were still under Garda protection as gardaí believed "the threat is very alive and is out there".
Det O'Neill told the court that the night after the jury was sworn in for Dundon's trial last month, Mr Lee's girlfriend received a threatening letter.
The letter was addressed to Mr Lee's uncle and legal guardian, Steve Collins, the proprietor of Brannigan's.
Det O'Neill said the author of the letter threatened to attack Mr Collins's staff and his business and also warned him "to look at all the other people that's dead".
The court heard that Dundon - who sat in court listening to a Walkman - has a number of previous convictions here and in the UK.
Det O'Neill said: "He [ Dundon] is one of the most violent criminals I have ever come across during my time in Limerick city."
Defence counsel Brian McInerney said his client "apologised unreservedly" for the assault, the video of which was shown in court yesterday. He said Dundon would appeal his conviction for the threat against Mr Lee.
Judge Moran described the case as "very serious" and adjourned sentencing until tomorrow.