Ex-politician gets suspended term for having knife

A six-month suspended jail sentence was imposed on a former solicitor and politician for carrying a penknife which was found in his possession after a row in a nightclub.

Judge Olann Kelleher said at Cork District Court: “Everyone in this city knows the difficulty caused by knives. I take the view that anyone with a knife without a lawful purpose is at risk of prison.

“It is important that people who carry knives know they are at risk of prison. It is necessary for the protection of the people of Cork.”