A MOTHER and daughter who remonstrated by “shouting and roaring” at gardai who were searching their home on foot of a Section 26 Drug search have appeared in court charged with obstruction on February 15 last. 22-year-old Leanne Casey and her mother, 55-year-old Elaine, were before the court in relation to the incident at 163 Hyde Road. Sgt Donal Cronin told that court that gardai were searching the house pursuant to a section 26 warrant in connection with suspected illegal drug activity.
When they entered the house, they encountered Elaine Casey who was said to have been “hostile and refused to obey the lawful demands and directions” of the gardai. Ms Casey was said to be firing a “torrid of abuse” and issuing threats to gardai as they tried to search the house.
Sgt Cronin said that Leanne Casey arrived to the house shortly afterwards and she refused to be searched and was said to be “screaming and roaring at the top of her voice as she refused to leave the stairway of the house”. Sgt Cronin said in evidence that Leanne Casey “threw her phone at the wall thus destroying any potential evidence”.
He added that Leanne Casey continued to “scream and roar at the top of her voice and lashed out as she resisted arrest”. Leanne Casey had to be restrained during her arrest.
In pleading guilty, Elaine Casey was said to have a minor previous conviction where she received a monetary penalty, and Leanne Casey did not have any previous conviction on record. The case against Elaine Casey was adjourned until January 9 next for a probation report to be furnished.
Sarah Ryan, solicitor for Leanne Casey, said that her client was remonstrating with gardai as she “strenuously objected to a strip search as she was seven months pregnant at the time, and while a female member of an Garda Siochana was present in the bedroom willing to carry out the search, Ms Casey said that a male member of the force was in clear view”.
Ms Ryan said that Leanne Casey “threw her phone in a fit of sulk”. “She behaved dreadfully but she comes before the court without previous convictions”, added Ms Ryan.
Judge O’Kelly adjourned the matter until December 5 and ordered that within that time, Leanne Casey pays €250 to the gardai benevolent fund.
