Spear tackle outside nightclub left Garda with lasting injuries

A man fuelled by alcohol and drugs became a ‘violent criminal’ and left a Garda with lasting injuries.

Cillian McAleenan, aged 23, of Dooroy, Clonbur, Co Galway, previously pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Gda Paul Deeley in the early hours of March 20, 2022. The court heard that Gda Deeley was off work for 15 months as a result of his injuries.

Outlining the background to the case, Sgt Derek Conroy said he was on patrol in Westport with Gda Deeley and Gda Shane Nallen on March 20, 2022, when they became aware of a fight near the Castle Nightclub on Castlebar Street. Sgt Conroy described the fight as a “free-for-all” and said the three officers were attempting to pull apart various individuals when the defendant lifted Gda Deeley up and then drove him into the ground in “a spear tackle” manoeuvre.

Sgt Conroy and Gda Nallen rushed to assist their colleague, who was screaming in pain, and then arrested McAleenan.

Sgt Conroy said the incident was not typical of his experience of dealing with “drunkenness” in Westport and he suspected that drugs may have been a factor. McAleenan later admitted to having used cocaine that night.

McAleenan has no previous convictions.

At last week’s sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, addiction counsellor Joseph Treacy said the accused has undertaken 27 random drug and alcohol screens all of which have come back clean.

The court heard McAleenan has been entirely sober for two years and has completed the Prime for Life Programme.

Mr Treacy said he believes the accused has attained maturity and insight into the impact of his actions and is full of remorse and regret.

Gda Deeley told the court that even after surgery he still experiences constant shoulder pain. He said he was a keen footballer but can no longer perform to the level he used to.

The Garda said he believes there should be zero tolerance when it comes to assaults on members of the emergency services but added that he did not want to see a young man, of previous good character, go to prison.

Patrick Murphy BL, representing McAleenan, said his client had abused drugs and alcohol in the past and was highly intoxicated on the night of the offence.

Judge Eoin Gararvan said he believes a combination of alcohol and cocaine turned the accused into an ‘extremely vicious criminal on the streets of Westport.’ 

“He essentially blacked out and behaved like an automaton,” the Judge added.

Judge Garavan said he was of the opinion that McAleenan had learned his lesson and commended the progress he has made.

He is employed as a delivery driver and the Judge praised his family for the support they have shown him.

“I condemn the sin but I congratulate you for doing such good work,” the Judge remarked.

Judge Garavan handed down a one year and six months suspended jail sentence.