Corkman jailed over threats to gardaí

A MAN verbally abused gardaí, calling them pigs, and threatened to kill their children at the height of a disturbance.

Yesterday, David Purcell was jailed for two months for his threatening behaviour.

Inspector Gary McPolin had previously outlined, at Cork District Court, facts of the case against Purcell.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said while Purcell was the man involved in the threatening behaviour during part of the incident, the accused denied being the one who made the more serious threats to the families of gardaí and claimed another man made those threats.

Judge Con O’Leary had adjourned the case until yesterday so that Garda Michael Dennehy could give evidence.

The garda testified yesterday that at 1.25am on July 16 he was on patrol at Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork, when the incident occurred.

“There were a lot of people — up to 20 — including one very aggressive male. This man was very intoxicated and very aggressive and was shouting and roaring.

“He was shouting ‘Fuck the pigs’ and ‘I will kill your children’. I spoke to the male who was very unsteady on his feet. I asked him for his name and address and he said, ‘Go fuck yourself you piece of shit, I’ll get you.’ He refused to give his name and address.

“He then ran towards the patrol car and kicked the front grill and jumped on the bonnet. He was conveyed to Mayfield Garda Station,” Garda Dennehy said.

He said the man was identified as David Purcell, aged 42, of 79 Hollyville, Hollyhill, Cork. He pleaded guilty to the charges of engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a source of danger.

Mr Buttimer asked for a short period to discuss with Purcell the evidence given by the garda. Following the consultation, Mr Buttimer indicated Purcell did not have anything to say.

Judge O’Leary then proceeded to sentence Purcell to two months in jail for threatening behaviour. A €100 fine was imposed on him for being drunk and a danger at the time.