A Longford pharmacist is due to be sentenced today for drug-driving and assaulting a garda after a high-speed chase.
The judge has warned him he could be jailed.
At Longford Circuit Court last week, 42-year-old Sean Stakelum, of Park Road, Longford, pleaded guilty to charges arising from incidents in October 2020 - including assaulting a garda, dangerous driving, and drink and drug-driving.
The court heard, at around midnight on October 4th, Stakelum was driving a Jeep at high speed around Market Square in Longford town.
Gardai pursued him but he failed to stop, drove erratically and through red lights.
Gardai said Stakelum eventually lost control of the Nissan Qashqui near Lidl and damaged a wall.
The court was told he resisted arrest, assaulting Garda Barry Gillespie, and tried to flee the scene on foot.
Gardai said Stakelum was eventually restrained on the grounds of a nearby school, after two civilians intervened to help Garda Gillespie.
The court heard Stakelum was nearly four times over the drink-driving limit and tested positive for cocaine.
Garda Gillespie said he was out of work for 18 months after the assault.
He said he had a dislocated shoulder, broken finger and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Judge Jonathan Dunphy is due to sentence Stakelum today.
