Pair admit public order charges

Gardaí investigating a reported assault on a rickshaw driver in Cork city centre encountered two men smiling and punching the air, and banging at a phone kiosk.

Inspector Bill Duane outlined the allegations at Cork District Court yesterday .

Frank Buttimer, solicitor for both men, stressed neither of the accused was charged with assault.

Insp Duane said on May 11, 2015, there was a report of a rickshaw driver being assaulted by two males at Grand Parade. Gardaí found two males fitting the descriptions given. They were smiling and punching the air: “They took turns kicking the phone box. It did not break.”

Insp Duane said the rickshaw driver did not follow this up with a complaint that he had been assaulted.

Shane O’Leary, aged 22, of 4 Oak Field Park, Riverstown,Glanmire, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to being threatening and abusive and being drunk and a source of danger during the incident on May 11, 2015. Judge Leo Malone imposed fines totalling €500 on O’Leary.

Christopher Ryan, aged 23, of Rathcooney, Glanmire, admitted engaging in disorderly conduct. Judge Malone gave him the benefit of a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act.