Wicklow man jailed for threatening to slit garda sergeant’s throat
The Wicklow PeopleA father-of-two has been jailed for 10 months after threatening a garda sergeant and committing a series of public order offences in Bray and Rathnew.
Ronan Maguire (38), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Bray District Court to three public order offences and to making a threat to cause serious harm to Sergeant Louise Traynor.
The court heard that on October 25, 2024, Mr Maguire was found lying on the ground by gardaí at 3.15pm with two empty one-litre bottles of vodka on his person.
The court was told that Mr Maguire was apprehended on Bray Main Street after he was found intoxicated and shouting at members of the public. His final public order offence occurred on January 19, 2025, when he was arrested for shouting and attempting to fight staff and gardaí at Centra in Rathnew.
On September 14, 2023, Mr Maguire was speaking to Sgt Louise Traynor when he told her: “You’re done, I’m going to slit your throat.” He then added: “I will wait for you and blow you to bits.” The court heard that Mr Maguire has 44 previous convictions for a range of offences.
Counsel for the defence, Dermot Hickey, told the court that his client is a father of two, with both children currently in the care of the State. Mr Maguire has an addiction to alcohol and various drugs. The court was informed that he lost his long-term partner in “tragic circumstances”.
Mr Maguire apologised for his actions, telling the court he had no recollection of the offending.
Judge David Kennedy remarked that he had known Mr Maguire “a long time” and added that “the sergeant was just doing her job”.
Judge Kennedy sentenced Mr Maguire to 10 months imprisonment for the threats made against Sgt Traynor. The remaining charges were taken into consideration.