Man who threatened gardaí claimed to be one

A man who threatened gardaí in Cork City gave his name as 147 and said he was a member of An Garda Síochána.

However, the man ended up lashing out at Garda Tim O’Sullivan, who had to draw his baton and use his pepper spray on the man.

Gda O’Sullivan ran from Oliver Plunkett St, Cork, in pursuit of Thomas Quinlan, aged 45, of the Cork Simon Community, to the boardwalk on Lapps Quay as he was concerned that the accused was running towards the river, having been pepper-sprayed.

Quinlan was eventually arrested and charged with failing to give his name and address, for threatening behaviour, and obstructing Gda O’Sullivan.

Judge Marie Keane said it was ironic that Quinlan’s last conviction was for pretending to be a member of An Garda Síochána.

“If you were a member of An Garda Síochána how would you like to be treated the way you treated the guards. They have enough to be doing without having to put up with that kind of carry on,” Judge Keane said to Quinlan.

The judge imposed a sentence of two months which she suspended.

“Cop yourself on, Mr Quinlan, this type of behaviour cannot be tolerated,” the judge said at the end of the case.