Horse and Carriage Rider Abused Garda, Called Them "Paedophiles"

A horse and carriage rider pulled down his trousers in front of a female garda and made derogatory remarks about deceased garda, calling them "paedophiles" in a tirade of abuse on a city street.

Conor Emmerson (20) reacted "completely inappropriately" to being stopped for a search, according to Judge Bryan Smyth who described Emmerson's behavior as "more than stupid."

Emmerson, of Killala Road, Cabra West, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour. He was fined €250 for the public order offence.

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at 8 pm on October 30, 2020. Garda were on duty in the north of the city when they stopped two men who they saw coming out of Henrietta Lane riding a horse and carriage.

The garda, who wished to remain anonymous, said they wanted to carry out a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Emmerson immediately became aggressive, pulling down his trousers and fondling himself in front of a female garda, a garda sergeant told the court.

He also called garda several names including "paedophiles" and made threatening remarks and derogatory comments about deceased members of the force.

Emmerson attempted to walk away and was arrested and brought to a garda station, where he apologized, stating it was "stupid".

Emmerson's solicitor Paddy McGarry said Emmerson had suffered traumatic experiences in the past and this was significant in relation to his attitude. He acknowledged Emmerson reacted completely inappropriately on the day.

A letter was submitted to the court from a doctor that Emmerson had attended. The accused had 19 previous convictions for motoring and other offences.