Drunk man stuffed two fingers up garda’s nose

A garda had two fingers stuffed up his nose as he was caught in a headlock by a motorist who parked his car blocking a side street off Cork city centre.

East Cork farmer, Denis O’Mahoney, aged 35, of Ballycondon, Lackaroe, Youghal, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to assault and other charges at Cork District Court yesterday.

Inspector Eileen Foster said at 3.30am on May 10, 2015, gardaí observed the car causing a blockage at the junction of Patrick St and St Peter’s and St Paul’s St.

As gardaí were arranging to have the car removed, Mr O’Mahoney, the registered owner, arrived in a highly intoxicated condition.

Insp Foster said he was informed his car was car was being seized. He responded in a highly agitated manner. Mr O’Mahony shouted: “If you are taking my car I am going to punch the face off you.” He struck out hitting a garda on the shoulder.

Insp Foster said Mr O’Mahoney was warned he would be pepper-sprayed and when this became necessary, it appeared to have no effect on him.

He was then warned he would he would be struck with a baton if he did not desist in his aggressive behaviour and ended up being struck on the leg and arm, again to no effect.

Mr O’Mahoney caught Garda Francis O’Riordan around the neck in a headlock and stuck two fingers up the guard’s nose. He was later arrested and charged.

Defence solicitor, Joseph Cuthbert, said the native of Youghal had been drinking in a number of pubs in Cork earlier in the night.

“He has suffered from a schizophrenic disorder... and also has an addiction problem with alcohol. The combination of the two is a lethal combination. He has not been drinking since the incident in May of last year. He is very shocked and upset to be in this situation.”

Noting the absence of any previous convictions, Judge Malone put sentencing back to April 25 to allow time for a probation report.