A woman who was on probation when she slapped a garda, causing him to bleed, has been given a two-month prison sentence.
Samantha Maughan (30), with an address at Oldcourt Close, Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to a Section 6 public order offence and to being intoxicated in a public place, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.
Dún Laoghaire District Court heard that Maughan was shouting at members of the public when gardaí approached her on Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, on January 13 last. During the interaction, she directed abuse at one garda, telling him “f**k you”, before hitting his face, causing him to bleed.
Judge Anne Watkin said the charge was at the higher end of a Section 6 public order offence. She said Maughan was lucky she was not before the court on a more serious assault charge, given the physical nature of the incident.
The court heard that Maughan was on a probation bond at the time of the offences and has 28 previous convictions, including 12 public order offences, as well as convictions for theft, criminal damage, failing to appear, and a Section 17 offence.
It was also noted she had served a six-week prison sentence in Mountjoy Prison in November 2025.
Defence counsel, David Nally BL, said that Maughan was remorseful and wished to apologise to the injured garda. The court heard that Maughan has a long-standing alcohol problem and is receiving support from her partner.
Judge Watkin said the behaviour went beyond alcohol misuse alone and said the incident amounted to an assault on a garda, though no assault charge was brought.
Ms Maughan was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment, with recognisance set at €500 in the event of an appeal.