Courts / Dublin / Report

Chronic addict threatened to kill gardai

Summary

Noel Coleman, 36, a chronic heroin addict, was arrested after a CCTV‑recorded incident in which he waved two knives at Gardaí and threatened to stab them. He was approached by officers after a live bench warrant was issued for his arrest. When questioned, he became agitated, produced the knives, and shouted, "I'll fucking kill you." Garda Brian O'Reilly and a colleague sprayed pepper spray, but Coleman fled. Gardaí pursued him, and when he was told an armed unit was on the way, he replied, "They will have to fucking shoot me." He was eventually subdued by Tasers, threw the knives to the ground, and was taken into custody. Coleman had previously pleaded guilty to robbery on 17 May 2017 and to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Garda O'Reilly on 20 May 2017. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for these offences.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Chronic addict threatened to kill gardai. Charges or matters: robbery on May 17, 2017 and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Garda O'Reilly on May 20, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 17, 2017 Incident
• May 20, 2017 Incident
• May 17 Incident
• May 20 Incident
• 2018-03-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report