Alleged assault left Garda with broken rib

A man charged with assaulting a Garda carrying out a drugs search in January of this year, is due to be sent forward to the Circuit Court after a judge deemed the case far too serious to be dealt with at District Court level.

Sean Flannery (22), with an address at Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly, appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at a sitting of Athlone District Court, charged with obstruction of a member of An Garda Síochána during a drugs search, possession of cocaine, and assault causing harm to Garda John Kelly on New Year’s Day.

During a brief jurisdiction hearing, Sergeant Pat O’Connell told the court how Garda Kelly came across Mr Flannery at 9.40pm at Main Street, Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, on January 1, 2026, and informed him that he would be searching him under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

During the search, it is alleged Mr Flannery became aggressive, and Garda Kelly had to grab him as he attempted to flee.

Mr Flannery is then alleged to have struck Garda Kelly a number of times, including with an elbow into the rib cage before ultimately breaking free. A struggle ensued, Sgt O’Connell outlined, and a member of the public came to the assistance of Gda Kelly.

The arresting Garda received a number of injuries including a broken rib. His knees received abrasions, with swelling on one knee and bruises to his shoulder. As a result, Gda Kelly reported sick for 13 weeks.

Judge Cronin noted a number of medical reports and letters from January of this year and, taking those into account together with the evidence, ruled the case to be too serious for summary disposal and refused jurisdiction.

Mr Flannery was remanded on bail to October 18 for the Director of Public Prosecutions consent and further directions.

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