Drunk suspect threatened to bite off garda’s nose
The driver, Garda Des Prendergast, testified at Cork District Court yesterday that he had to stop the patrol car a number of times en route to Mayfield Garda Station on the night because of the aggression Patrick O’Brien showed to his colleague, Garda David O’Sullivan, in the back of the car.
Gardaí went to Pope’s Quay, Cork, at 2.30am on April 8 to investigate a report of a serious assault. O’Brien was there and was offered the assistance of an ambulance, but he refused it.
Gda Prendergast said: “He said: ‘I will bite your fucking nose off’ and he lashed out at Garda O’Sullivan. In the back of the car on the way to Mayfield Garda Station after his arrest, he attempted on numerous occasions to bite him. I had to stop the car numerous times on the way to the station to assist Garda O’Sullivan. I felt he was putting me, Garda O’Sullivan, and himself at risk. He was highly intoxicated before we arrested him.”
Gda O’Sullivan said the accused tried to bite his nose and head-butt him.
O’Brien, of 34 Meelick Park, Ballyvolane, Cork, did not appear at Cork District Court to face the charges of being drunk and a danger and obstructing Garda O’Sullivan. Judge John King convicted him of both and issued a warrant for his arrest.
