Probation report for man accused of threatening garda

A defendant who entered a plea of guilty to threatening to kill a garda after being stopped while drink driving will be assessed by probation service before the judge concludes the case.

Alan McManus (35) of Ballintubber, Rosemount, Moate, Westmeath was before Mullingar District Court on four charges.

The charges against Mr McManus were that on May 13, 2024 he made a threat to kill Garda Linzi Martin, that he drove while over the alcohol limit at Main Street, Castlelost, Rochfortbridge, he engaged in dangerous driving at Main Street, Castlepollard, and he refused to sign a sample receipt when requested to do so by a garda.

Court presenter, Sergeant Sheila Kenny, outlined the events of May 13, 2024. At 3.55am, the defendant was stopped on Main Street, Castlelost, Rochfortbridge. When a lawful request was made for his name Mr McManus became aggressive to gardaí.

He was taken to Mullingar Garda Station, where he continued to be abusive to officers. Two breath samples gave a reading of 86mg per 100ml.

Mr McManus said to Garda Linzi Martin, “I know who you are”, before raising his arms and making a gun gesture and saying:

“The next time I see you on the road I’m going to run you over, bang bang.”

Sergeant Kenny said the officer felt this was a credible threat as Gda Martin was aware that Mr McManus was the registered owner of a firearm. The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Mark Cooney described the incident as “out of character” for his client who is in full-time employment.

In reference to the defendant’s behaviour on the morning, Judge Owens observed: “He went all in.”

Mr Cooney pointed out that the breath alcohol reading was high, and said his client realised it was not “acceptable behaviour”, but added that in Mr McManus’s voluntary statement he declared he had no clear recollection of the events of the night.

“There was a lot going on in the background,” Mr Cooney told the judge.

Judge Owens indicated that before she concluded the matters, she would direct a victim impact statement and get a full probation report.

Mr McManus was remanded on continuing bail to return before the District Court on November 6, 2025 for penalty.