Man avoids jail after threatening Gardaí with an iron bar in Galway

A 30-year-old man who used an iron to threaten Gardaí called to a disturbance at a Galway hotel has avoided a criminal conviction.

Published 14th May 2026, 06:00 BST Man avoids jail after threatening Gardaí with an iron bar in Galway A 30-year-old man who used an iron to threaten Gardaí called to a disturbance at a Galway hotel has avoided a criminal conviction. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Nathan Dunne, with an address at 33 Tara Crescent, Tullamore , had what was described as a ‘brain-fart’ when he became aggressive to gardai in the city last year, Galway District Court was told.

Dunne, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to threatening to assault Garda Adam Maher in the execution of his duty - an offence contrary to Section 19 of the Public Order Act. He further admitted a breach of the peace offence contrary to Section 6 of the Act.

Inspector Brian Ryan told the court that at around 2.45am on January 25 2025, Gardaí were called to an incident at the Connaught Hotel .

The court heard that, as the accused was being removed from the hotel, he picked up an iron and threatened Gardaí.

Inspector Ryan said Dunne ‘kicked off’ again outside and Gardaí had to use incapacitant spray and handcuffs.

The Inspector said Dunne had never been before a court before and this appeared to be an isolated incident.

He suggested the accused's behaviour on the night was a bit of a "brain-fart".

Solicitor Michael Cunningham said he had been instructed by his client to wholeheartedly apologies to the gardai.

He said his client had come to Galway with his then partner but what should have been a good night turned nasty.

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He said Dunne has moderated his alcohol intake to ensure behaviour like that does not happen again.

Judge Elizabeth Healy said noted the accused's good record and remorse and said the court would apply the Probation of Offenders Act once €300 is given to the charity , Little Blue Heroes.

Related topics: Gardaí Tullamore Garda Galway Galway District Court Hotel Charity Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.