Patient caused havoc after drinking vodka

A patient at a hospital psychiatric unit slipped out and bought a bottle of vodka at an off-licence and then returned and caused havoc for hospital staff.

Finbarr Geary, aged 36, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court yesterday to engaging in threatening behaviour and being intoxicated and a source of danger at the Mercy University Hospital.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said Geary had long-term alcohol difficulties which had led to him being admitted to St Michael’s unit at the Mercy from time to time.