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'Squalid and misogynistic': man who exposed himself and threatened female garda is jailed
Summary
Keith McDonnell, aged 34, was sentenced to three years in prison for exposing himself to a female Garda and making threats to kill or seriously harm two Garda officers during an arrest in a Garda van. McDonnell pleaded guilty to two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm. The judge noted his history of homelessness from age eight, early substance use, and ongoing addiction, citing a letter from his partner about the impact on their family. McDonnell's behaviour was described as misogynistic, vile, and appalling, with threats that were real, credible and nasty. The judge considered mitigating factors, including his guilty plea, and imposed a three‑year sentence, reduced from a headline four‑year sentence. The case involved a Garda operation at La Touche Drive, where McDonnell had been verbally aggressive, physically threatened officers, and was ultimately arrested and transported to the station in a Garda van.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Squalid and misogynistic': man who exposed himself and threatened female garda is jailed. Charges or matters: two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to two members of An Garda Síochána on May 12, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 12, 2020 Other
- 2023-11-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to two members of An Garda Síochána on May 12, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said McDonnell's comments to the female garda were "misogynistic and vile" and said he made persistent threats towards her and her colleagues as well as exposing himself. The judge said the case warranted a headline sentence of four years before she imposed a sentence of three years, taking into account the mitigating factors including McDonnell's plea of guilty.
Places mentioned
- Back Lane
- Dublin
- La Touche Drive
Topics
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