Man stripped after gardaí arrived at house

Gardaí who responded to a call to a domestic disturbance were pushed out of the house by a man who then proceeded to strip naked in his front garden.

Garda Conor O’Leary and Garda Agnieszka Pizlo responded to the call to Kerry Rd, Cork, where Tadhg Hopkins, of 88 Elm Park, Wilton, was causing a disturbance.

Insp Pat Meaney said the incident occurred at 10pm on Dec 4, 2012, when the defendant’s mother reported that her son was roaring and shouting and causing difficulties at the family home.

Gardaí arrived to hear him threatening that he was going to “sort everybody out”, with his fists clenched in the air as he shouted threats.

“He pushed gardaí out of the house into the front garden. He made numerous attempts to kick gardaí and hit them with his head,” said the inspector.

Garda assistance had to be called because of the violent reaction.

“He had to be placed on the ground as gardaí tried to put handcuffs on him. He removed his trousers and underwear and tried to get off his jumper. He was naked in the front garden,” said the inspector.

Emmet Boyle, defence solicitor, said: “Since this happened he has been attending for alcohol treatment. His physical presentation here in court has improved as a result. He is effectively minding himself. He has issues with regard to minding himself.”

The solicitor said that because of the extent of the non-rational behaviour by Hopkins on the night, gardaí responded by bringing him to the Mercy hospital for attention rather than bringing him to a Garda station to charge him.

Hopkins, aged 35, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court yesterday to a charge of willfully obstructing Garda Conor O’Leary.

Judge Con O’Leary imposed a six-month suspended prison sentence on him.