A drug-driving Longford pharmacist has avoided jail and been given a two-year suspended sentence for assaulting a garda after a high-speed chase.
The incident happened in Longford town at around midnight on October 4, 2020.
42-year-old Sean Stakelum, of Park Road in Longford, was nearly four times over the drink-driving limit and on cocaine.
Gardai pursued him after he initially refused to stop his Jeep around Market Square.
The chase ended near Lidl after Stakelum crashed into a wall.
He then resisted arrest, assaulted Garda Barry Gillespie, and tried to flee on foot.
He was eventually restrained on the grounds of a nearby school, after two civilians intervened to help Garda Gillespie.
Garda Gillespie missed 18 months’ work with his injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and broken finger, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Last week Stakelum pleaded guilty to assaulting a garda, obstructing a peace officer, dangerous-driving and drink and drug-driving.
In court today, Stakelum offered Garda Gillespie a letter of apology, €30,000 in compensation and €2,500 to the Garda Benevolent Fund.
Stakelum’s barrister, Barry White, said the entire proceedings could have an ‘adverse effect’ on his client professionally.
Judge Jonathan Dunphy sentenced Stakelum, who was dressed in a suit in court today, to a two-year suspended prison sentence for the assault charge and banned him from driving for four years.
The judge directed €30,000, as offered, be given to Garda Gillespie, and that €2,000 be given to the Garda Benevolent Fund, a slight reduction on the amount offered.
He also gave Stakelum fines totalling €2,500.
Judge Dunphy said he accepts Stakelum was genuinely remorseful and the incident was uncharacteristic.
He said he accepted it was a 'night of lunacy', as Stakelum's barrister previously said.
