Woman who tried to drag Louth garda into cell ‘unable to cope’ with addiction issues

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 37-year-old woman has been jailed for a total of 10 months after she pleaded guilty to assaulting a Garda and to multiple public order offences.

Drogheda Court heard that Ciara McEntaggart had not come to attention until 2024 when she “hit the deck” and began drinking excessively.

She had since racked up 20 previous convictions, including for public order and resisting arrest.

Her solicitor said that she may also have been abusing substances. The mother of four had mental health issues.

Patricia Holohan added that her client was complex. Services were lacking and Ms McEntaggart was unable to cope, ending up living in a tent under the Bridge of Peace in Drogheda.

Going to Cuan Mhuire “didn’t work out” but she did get assistance from The Red Door Project.

The defendant, on remand since October 20 last, was unable to help herself.

Judge Nicola Andrews remarked that she was sorry Ms McEntaggart found herself in this position.

"You can’t do it on your own. I’m full of hope for you. People in worse situations have come out the other end of it,” the judge continued.

Maybe, the defendant would be ready for Cuan Mhuire the next day.

"I’m in your corner,” Judge Andrews said, noting that untreated addiction and mental health issues were at the back of this.

Evidence was given of several public order incidents which occurred throughout Drogheda and also in Laytown, Julianstown and Mornington.

On November 4, 2024 at Drogheda Garda Station, the accused grabbed a Garda by the head and pulled glasses from her. She tried to drag the officer into a cell.

It cost €299 to replace the glasses.

Two consecutive six-month sentences were imposed, the last month of each suspended for two years on condition that Ms McEntaggart stays of West Street in Drogheda. The sentences were backdated to October 20, 2025.

For the Section 2 assault of a Garda a four-month sentence was imposed, with other charges and summonses taken into consideration.