In a British courtroom, a judge pronounced a warning to a man who had attacked two police officers with a bite, claiming he was HIV positive. He instructed the man that he had reached a point in his life where it was crucial to confront his issues with addiction, calling it his “last chance saloon”. This judgement was issued by Judge Pauline Codd as she passed down a 20-month sentence on Dean O’Neill, with the last half-year being suspended.
Judge Codd emphasised how fiercely she believes any crime against a police officer should be viewed, owing to the daily risks they take to maintain societal safety. She expressed her disapproval of the disrespect and threat to officers’ physical well-being, stating it was appalling that police had to endure such situations. As a result, the judge noted that it came as no surprise that an increasing number of officers were leaving the force.
The court was informed that despite O’Neill’s claim that he was HIV positive during the attacks, he in fact did not carry the virus. This fact however, was unknown at the time of the incident to the officers involved.
The incidents took place after O’Neill was informed of an impending routine search following his arrest. He became belligerent and threatening, stating, “The first person to come near me is getting bitten,” O’Neill proclaimed, “No one is going to search me … I’ve got HIV”.
One officer was bitten during the search, damaging his glove but not breaking skin. It took four officers to subdue O’Neill, who continued to try to bite and spit at the officers. Another officer reported feeling a burning sensation on his hand due to a tooth mark left by O’Neill, but the skin remained intact.
Despite the tumultuous ordeal, security footage from the station did not capture the second incident.
Sgt Hugh O’Carroll conveyed to prosecuting barrister, Carol Doherty BL, that it’s considered normal for all detainees to undergo a search while in custody, for the protection of both the individuals and the police. He reported that, post-incident, one of the aggrieved parties took sick leave, though neither of them sought medical attention. These individuals have subsequently left their positions in An Garda Síochána, but for unrelated reasons.
O’Neill, from Lower Dorset Street in Dublin 1, admitted guilt to two charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer while they were on duty, these incidents occurred on April 13th of last year. An additional charge connected to threats of murder or inflicting serious harm was taken into account. On his record, O’Neill has 109 prior offences, including drug-related and public order crimes.
Nicola Cox BL, the defending attorney, achieved agreement from Sgt O’Carroll that O’Neill was apprehended with illegal medication. It was also acknowledged that he was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. Ms. Cox stated to the court that her client has struggled with drug addiction since his adolescence. Ms. Cox expressed that her client had no justification to behave in such a manner and his actions lacked any rational motive.
Since his incarceration, O’Neill has been working on his drug problems and is on a waiting list for addiction counseling. Considering the case, Judge Codd noted O’Neill’s criminal history as a significantly worrying factor. In contrast, his guilty plea, past experiences, and efforts in addressing his drug issues were deemed to be mitigating factors. Judge Codd expressed the hope for O’Neill to seek and welcome support to overcome his drug addiction after his release.
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