A MAN who headbutted a prison officer and kicked a garda sergeant in a courthouse has been sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Glen Friel appeared at Falcarragh District Court via video-link from Castlerea Prison where he is serving a sentence for an arson attack.

Defendant (25) of no fixed abode was charged with the assault incidents at Letterkenny Courthouse on March 14, 2024.

Detailing the incidents, Sergeant Jim Collins said Friel had just been sentenced as a result of the arson attack on his sister’s rented accommodation in Killybegs, when he became aggressive.

He subsequently headbutted the prison officer and spat on him after which he kicked out and struck a Garda Sergeant.

The defendant had been “kicking and flailing” after the five year sentence was passed down at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

Friel had a number of previous convictions including charges of misuse of drugs.

Defending solicitor, Rory O’Brien said his client was a man with “significant difficulties” and had problems with alcohol and other substances.

He had been in custody for a significant period of time and had very little structure in his life. He had lived a nomadic lifestyle having been homeless and in care from an early age.

He had been involved in educational pursuits while in prison and had not come to adverse attention of the prison regime. “He’s a man crying out for help,” said Mr O’Brien.

Addressing the court from Castlerea, Friel issued an apology to the two victims he had assaulted, “I’d like to say I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

Mr O’Brien said the incident was not something his client was proud of but he had significant addiction and mental health problems.

Passing sentence, Judge Ciaran Liddy said it was clear the young man had no structure in his life and he noted his guilty plea and the apology he had offered and remorse he had shown.

Friel was sentenced to four months imprisonment for the assault on the prison officer and a two month sentence for the assault on the Garda Sergeant.

“These are people we rely on to keep our communities safe,” said the Judge.