Jail term for threatening behaviour

A district judge yesterday said he was tired of people carrying out public order offences on the streets of Cork as he sentenced a man to two months in jail for threatening behaviour towards gardaí.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said defendant Eugene O’Callaghan’s behaviour was verbally abusive rather than physically aggressive.

However, Judge Con O’Leary said: “I am tired of people causing problems on the streets especially when they are in groups.”

He said O’Callaghan, aged 28, of 51 Grangewood Court, Douglas, Cork, had previous convictions for similar offences. He sentenced him to two months in jail for being threatening and abusive.

Insp Mary King said gardaí from Gurranabraher were called to investigate a disturbance at Hollyville, Hollyhill, Cork, at about 1am on Aug 7. On arrival, Garda Kieran Barrett saw a group in the middle of the road arguing. O’Callaghan shouted at gardaí and refused to leave the area.

Mr Buttimer said the defendant became involved in an effort to take his friend away from the situation but ended up getting embroiled in the disturbance. He said O’Callaghan’s behaviour did not result in any further aggravation of the group of people gathered at the time.