Ice cream vendors face assault charges in turf war

A turf war between competing ice cream men resulted in both facing charges of assault in a case where it was claimed that one reached into the other’s van and pulled his ice cream lever.

Inspector Bill Duane said the alleged incidents occurred in the context of a highly competitive ice cream van trade in Cork City and turf wars between the two ice cream men.

Frederick Williams, aged 31, of 18 Orrery Rd, Gurranabraher, Cork, is charged with assaulting Alan O’Halloran, aged 29, of 44 Churchfield Gardens, Churchfield, Cork, at Pearse Rd, Ballyphehane, Cork, on September 20, 2013.

O’Halloran is accused of assault causing harm to Williams on the same occasion. Both defendants are charged with assault causing harm to the other.

Insp Duane outlined the allegations for Judge Leo Malone to deal with the question of jurisdiction on O’Halloran’s charge of assault causing harm.

The judge accepted jurisdiction to deal with it at Cork Court. Both cases were adjourned until May 19 for the defendants to decide if they are pleading guilty or not guilty.

Insp Duane said O’Halloran called to Togher Garda Station and alleged that he was assaulted by Williams. He said both were ice cream van vendors and it was a highly competitive business in Cork.

He said Williams took exception to him being at Ashbrook Heights and encroaching on his turf that afternoon.

He said Williams’ van blocked his van and did the same later at Pearse Place. He said Williams got out of his van and reached inside O’Halloran’s van and pulled the ice cream lever down.

O’Halloran said he went to stop him and he claimed that Williams threw a punch, making contact with his face.

“He admitted trying to take a photo but as he did, O’Halloran pushed his shoulder and he fell awkwardly, dislocating his shoulder,” Insp Duane said.

Williams denied following O’Halloran, punching him, or pulling his ice cream lever.