Woman allegedly kicked and bit gardaí in violent Longford row

Judge John Brennan last week refused jurisdiction at Longford District Court upon hearing details of a case against 28-year-old Natalia Grochowska, 6 Deepark, Kenagh, Co Longford following an incident at the above mentioned address on August 14, 2022.

Ms Grochowska was charged with assaulting Gardaí Vincent O'Leary, Darryl Gilmore and Morag Patterson.

Sgt Mark Mahon, for the prosecution, outlined how gardaí were called to the accused woman's home following an incident, the details of which were not disclosed to the court.

It was during the attempted removal of Ms Grochowska from the property that the alleged incident before the court unfolded.

Sgt Mahon said Garda Patterson sustained a kick, causing her to hit her back and head off a set of steps as she fell.

He said during what the court heard was “considerable force” which was used to remove Ms Grochowska, the accused woman allegedly “bit down on the head” of Garda Patterson.

Sgt Mahon went on to reveal how Ms Grochowska continued to be violent after officers managed to convey her to an awaiting garda patrol van.

“She continued to spit and and again in the garda station, she was violent as well,” he added, revealing how two gardaí, including the accused had to be brought to hospital.

Garda Vincent O'Leary, the court was informed sustained a bite to his hand.

In giving his verdict upon whether the case could be disposed of within the parameters of the District Court, Judge Brennan said the case was more applicable to the more serious confines of the circuit court.

“I am satisfied that these summary matters can't be dealt with by this court,” he said.

“I appreciate they (charges) are only allegations but these matters, I believe, are more appropriate for the circuit court.”

Defending, local solicitor Frank Gearty said while an overall and substantive context would be offered up to the court, Ms Grochowska had been left “horrified” by details relating to the State's case.

“There will be, in the fullness of time, significant mitigating factors put forward,” he said.

She (Ms Grochowska) is horrified by what she has heard and is taking steps with her life to move in the right direction.”

Ms Grochowska was remanded on continuing bail to July 4 when, it is anticipated, directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will be made available.