‘I’ll box the head off you’ - man assaulted Kilkenny garda

Shouting “I’ll box the head off you” at gardaí then spitting on them saw a man end up before Kilkenny District Court.

Matthew Dowling, 4 Laurel Court, Loughboy, was charged with being intoxicated in public, assault and threatening to assault a police officer, following an incident on The Parade on July 2, 2025.

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Just after 9pm on the day in question Mr Dowling made his way to the garda patrol van, at The Parade. He was intoxicated and arrested for his own safety.

At Kilkenny Garda Station he became very aggressive and kept shouting “I’ll box the head off you.” He spat on a garda and had to be pepper sprayed to bring him under control.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said Mr Dowling is ‘looking at custody’ and asked for a pre-sentencing Probation Report. The matter was adjourned to June.