SENTENCING in the case of an 18-year-old Dungloe-man who "took a swipe" at a member of the gardai was adjourned until September at a recent sitting of An Clochan Liath District Court.

Judge Desmond Zaidan heard from Garda Gerald Dalton that on November 11, 2006, he observed Denis O'Donnell of Brockagh, Dungloe, fighting with another man outside the Seaview Hotel. Garda Dalton witnessed O'Donnell kick and "swipe" at his Garda colleague and then run off. The defendant was subsequently pursued and apprehended by Garda Dalton.

Addressing the court, Garda Dalton stated: "He was aggressive and had to be restrained with handcuffs. He was brought to Glenties Garda station and brought home by his parents."

At the time of the incident the court heard that O'Donnell was 17 years of age and "very intoxicated".

Solicitor, Mr Cormac Hartnett explained that his client was now an 18-year-old and he had no previous convictions. Mr Hartnett also told Judge Zaidan that his client did not recollect too much detail of the night in question as he had consumed a large amount of alcohol.

Speaking to the defendant Judge Zaidan stated: "You know where you went wrong?" To which O'Donnell replied that he had "stopped drinking altogether".

Judge Zaidan stated: "You need to know your limits. There is nothing wrong with a social drink, but it is dangerous when you go overboard and become a threat to others."

Mr Hartnett explained that his client is currently a man of limited means. Judge Zaidan adjourned sentencing for the preparation of a probation report. He stressed to the defendant that this was not a guarantee that he would get a suspended sentence.

O'Donnell is to appear before court on September 11 where Judge Zaidan will deliver his sentence.