Courts / Carlow / Report
Carlow man jailed for threatening off-duty Garda
Summary
Brendan Keating has been jailed for threatening an off-duty garda while the officer was with his infant son in a Carlow shopping centre. Keating pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Aidan Kelly and to assault and possession of a slash hook. The court heard that Keating was on a suspended sentence and had previous convictions for assault and threats. The garda described Keating as 'unpredictable and violent' and expressed concern for his family's safety. Keating's threat was made in public, and he was known to have a history of drug use and mental health issues. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the severity of the threat and the impact on the garda's family. Keating's sentence was seven and a half years, with 15 months suspended, resulting in an effective prison term of six years and three months. The judge acknowledged Keating's frustration with bail conditions but emphasized that threatening a garda is unacceptable.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Carlow man jailed for threatening off-duty Garda. Charges or matters: making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Aidan Kelly on April 26, 2024 at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow; an assault and possession of a slash hook. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 26, 2024 Incident
- 2025-11-28 Publication
Why: He later reported the threat and said he took it very seriously because he didn't know if Keating had any weapons concealed on him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Aidan Kelly on April 26, 2024 at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow; an assault and possession of a slash hook (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The court heard that Keating was on a suspended sentence and on bail at the time of the offending. The judge imposed consecutive terms of imprisonment totalling seven and a half years.
Places mentioned
- New Oak Estate
- Carlow
- Carlow
- Carlow Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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