A Co Monaghan man has been jailed for attacking an Irish Water worker in Clones in April.
Noel West (34), Jubilee Road, Clones, faced three charges at Monaghan District Court yesterday, including possession a knife and other articles, and an assault against Irish Water worker Martin McAleer.
The court heard that West lived at home with his elderly mother and had no reason to attack Mr McAleer, nor did he have a political agenda.
He had 13 previous convictions for offences including threatening and abusive behaviour, the court heard.
Mr McAleer’s hat was taken from him and then used to hit him, the court was told. West then returned again with a knife. Judge Dennis McLaughlin said he regarded his actions as a very serious offence.
Despite appeals from West's solicitor, Martin Cosgrove, for his client to be given community service, the judge gave him sentences of two months, four months and four months on each of three charges, to run concurrently.