Fined for random stranger attacks

A Limerick man who had too much to drink on a night out in Cork walked along one of the main streets in the city randomly attacking people.

Insp Adrian Gamble said yesterday at Cork District Court gardaí were notified of a man on Oliver Plunkett St who was walking along and punching people for no reason.

Sgt Jason Wallace was flagged down by a taxi driver who said: “A man is literally hitting people on Oliver Plunkett St for no reason.”

Sgt Wallace investigated the complaint and saw a man fitting the description in an altercation with another man. “He was highly intoxicated. He was shouting very aggressively at the other man. He then turned on Sgt Wallace who was trying to quell the situation,” Insp Gamble said.

At that stage, the accused decided to run. Sgt Wallace followed him and caught up with him after a 300m chase and arrested him.

Insp Gamble said Michael Keogh, aged 30, of Lissard, Burnfort, Mallow, Co Cork, was arrested for his own safety and the safety of others. He pleaded guilty to being drunk and a source of danger and engaging in threatening behaviour.

Defence solicitor Charles O’Connor said the man, originally from Limerick, felt humiliated by his actions. He said: “On the night he was in Cork he had a considerable amount of alcohol taken.

“He has only one previous conviction. He has a great work record. Unfortunately, he was extremely intoxicated on the night.”

Judge John King said the only reason the accused was not charged with assault was because no formal complaint had been made by any injured party. Judge King said that whatever humiliation he felt was on the basis of his own actions. Mr O’Connor said something had occurred earlier in the night which had annoyed the defendant.

Judge King said: “If alcohol does not suit you stay away from it. You are building up convictions.”

Judge King fined him €300 for engaging in threatening behaviour and €150 for being drunk and a danger.