Courts / Dublin / Report

Man who believed he had power to arrest gardai given suspended sentence

Date
2014-04-29

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Lusk

County
Dublin

Summary

Keith Blackburn, 52, of Lusk, was found guilty of failing to comply with a Garda direction, using violent behaviour at Lusk Garda Station and threatening and abusive behaviour on 6 December 2013. He claimed to be an officer of the court and believed he had the power to arrest a Garda sergeant. Sergeant John Cannon testified that Blackburn called to enquire about a bench warrant he thought was 'live', but there was none. Blackburn repeatedly dialled 999, threatened Sergeant Cannon, set off a fire alarm and refused to leave the station. He was arrested and placed in custody. The judge described his claims as 'fictitious court orders' and ordered him to stay away from all Garda stations. Blackburn received a four‑month suspended sentence and a one‑year probation order, with a warning that any breach would lead to imprisonment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who believed he had power to arrest gardai given suspended sentence. Charges or matters: failing to comply with garda direction, using violent behaviour at Lusk Garda Station and using threatening and abusive behaviour on December 6th, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

December 6th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-04-29 Publication

Case subjects

Keith Blackburn

Convicted Person

Charges: failing to comply with garda direction, using violent behaviour at Lusk Garda Station and using threatening and abusive behaviour on December 6th, 2013 (Proven)

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; The judge told Blackburn he was not allowing him to waste any more court time and ordered Blackburn to undertake not to go to any more garda stations in relation to the 'ficticious court order.' Judge Dempsey handed Blackburn a four month sentence, which he suspended and bound Blackburn to the peace for one year.