Suspended sentence for woman who used pepper spray on cousins during anniversary mass at Sligo Cathedral

By Nathan Molloy, The Sligo Champion

A woman has received a suspended sentence after pepper spraying her relatives at her mother’s anniversary mass.

Kate Sweeney (45) of Kiltalawn View, Tallaght was charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour, having two screwdrivers, two pairs of scissors and using a canister of pepper spray during the course of a dispute and also having a black and red canister of pepper spray at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Temple St, Sligo on May 7, 2024.

The case first came before the court on November 20, where it heard that the defendant used pepper spray during an anniversary Mass in the Cathedral where an altercation broke out between a group of men.

Sweeney was arrested and a screwdriver, two pairs of scissors and pepper spray were found in her handbag. The court then heard that gardaí were aware that her close family had been the subject of intimidation.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case for a probation report.

Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor (defending), told Judge Cunningham that the probation report was positive for his client. He added that coming to court over the last two years has been difficult for Sweeney and that she was hopeful that the case will be concluded.

Judge Cunningham said that she had read the probation report and refreshed herself on the case and the mitigation put forward by Mr Mullaney on the last occasion. She added that she accepts Sweeney’s remorse and that she feared for her own safety.

Judge Cunningham said that it must have been extremely frightening for the other individuals in attendance. She added that Sweeney had a moderate risk of re-offending and that it was a serious matter. Judge Cunningham that an aggravating factor was that it happened in a place where people go to worship.

Judge Cunningham noted that the defendant had two previous convictions which were for road traffic.

Judge Cunningham sentenced Sweeney to five months in prison, suspended for one year on condition that she liaised with the probation services.

Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.