Former Louth soldier punched garda who was investigating hit-and-run
A former soldier who punched a garda after committing a hit-and-run has appeared before Drogheda Court.
Robert Slattery (42), Elmwood Close, Termonabbey, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to assaulting and obstructing the officer who called to his house following the collision.
He also admitted a reduced charge of careless driving and failing to stop.
The defendant's solicitor said that his client was "horrified" by his behaviour on September 16, 2024.
Sgt Amy O'Sullivan that she was alerted to a hit-and-run on North Quay, Drogheda, at midday.
Mr Slattery had crashed into a van. The victim followed him.
His car took a corner at high speed and went onto the wrong side of the road, mounting a kerb on the opposite side and bursting a tyre.
Dashcam footage of the incident was played in court.
Later, during his arrest the defendant twice punched a garda in the face with a fist, leaving the officer with a swollen lip. He did not need medical treatment nor time off work.
Mr Slattery was pepper sprayed before being placed in the back of a patrol van.
There were seven previous convictions, from north and south of the border.
"Do you get angry when you drive your car?" Judge Nicola Andrews asked him.
The judge remarked that thankfully no children were playing on the kerb as she said that she would "reluctantly" reduce a dangerous driving charge to careless driving.
Solicitor Paul Moore said his client was horrified by his behaviour. He wanted to apologise to the Garda who he appreciated was doing his job.
He had awoken to find the officer there and reacted badly.
He was under the influence of strong proscribed painkillers for back injuries which led to his medical discharge from the Defences Forces after a 20-year career.
It was a long and distinguished career during which he served in Lebanon on UNIFIL duty. A reference was available from his Unit Commander at the time.
Mr Moore continued that the defendant took it hard being discharged. He had been living in veteran accommodation and his lifestyle was somewhat chaotic.
Judge Andrews said that the court didn't take kindly to anyone being assaulted, particularly a Garda being punched in the mouth.
Mr Slattery's driving on the day was erratic and at the upper end of careless driving.
The judge said he was obviously angry, in a hurry and irritated.
The case was adjourned to July 20, 2026 for a probation report to assess suitability for community service.
Judge Andrews said the defendant must investigate anger management and any other programme the Probation Service deemed appropriate, including a Driver Awareness Course.
A Victim Impact Statement was also directed.