Pensioner (91) ‘struck garda’ in nursing home, court told

A 91-year-old man struck a female garda after she was called to a row at a Co Limerick nursing home, a court has heard.

Pensioner Niall O’Mahoney, of Ardkilmartin, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, refused to leave the Maria Goretti Nursing Home, located opposite his home, after a disagreement with his daughter-in-law, who runs the facility. The 91-year-old man appeared before Kilmallock District Court yesterday, where he was ordered to write a letter of apology to Garda Mary Louise Armstrong.

The pensioner pleaded guilty to obstructing Garda Armstrong in the course of her duty at the nursing home on February 25th last.

Mr O’Mahoney was previously charged with assaulting his daughter-in-law Helen O’Mahoney at the nursing home on January 10th last but this charge was struck out.

Sgt Michelle Leahy told the District Court yesterday that a charge of breaching the peace was also struck out.

Outlining the background to the case, Sgt Leahy said gardaí were called to the nursing home where they spoke to Mr O’Mahoney regarding a separate matter and asked him to leave following the dispute.

He refused and struck out at Garda Armstrong, the court heard.

Judge Mary Larkin was told that while the female garda was bruised, it was not a serious injury.

Defence solicitor Robin Lee said his client had no previous convictions.

The judge ordered the pensioner to write a letter of apology and suggested he make a contribution to the Garda Benevolent Trust Fund. She adjourned the matter until June 7th.