Man defied civil order and spat on priest in church

A priest was spat upon in St Augustine’s in Cork City by a man who has caused a lot of problems for clergy and staff at the church.

The behaviour of Anthony Garvin, 55, has been so persistent and aggressive that authorities at the church secured a type of Asbo against him. This civil order based on repeat offending ordered him not beset the church or have any contact with clergy or staff.

However, on May 10 Garvin was back at the church on Grand Parade and Washington Street in Cork causing trouble.

Garda Marja Murphy responded to the call for assistance shortly before 6pm that evening. “I observed him spit at a member of the clergy in the confines of the church. I arrested him and conveyed him to the Bridewell Garda Station.”

The guard clarified for Judge Leo Malone that Garvin did not spit at the priest during a Mass. However, she said that a number of people were present including members of the public saying their prayers.

Judge Malone said he would not make any order under the Asbo as the date referred to for the granting of the order was incorrect. However, he convicted him under a charge brought against Garvin by Garda Furphy, namely engaging in threatening behaviour, a public order offence.

Insp Michael McGuire said he was aware Garvin was causing distress for the clergy at St Augustine’s. Garvin did not appear.

Judge Malone imposed a three-month prison sentence in his absence.

In the course of a similar case previously, Garvin was described to Judge Malone as completely inoffensive when sober, sometimes quite offensive when drunk and helpless when very drunk.