Cork grandmother  avoids jail for refusing to wear a mask in shopping centre

Margaret Buttimer was released on bail but is not allowed to enter any place where the public has access — including churches, chapels, meeting houses, post offices, or public offices

Margaret Buttimer outside Bandon District Court after she was arrested yesterday for refusing to wear a mask in Riverview Shopping Centre, Bandon. Photo: Cork Courts Limited

A Cork grandmother narrowly escaped being jailed until her next court appearance after she repeatedly refused to wear a mask in a shopping centre.

Margaret Buttimer, 66, of the Cottage, St Fintan’s Rd, Bandon, Co Cork, was previously sentenced to 90 days in jail after she repeatedly refused to wear a mask in public indoor places in west Cork. At 11.10am on Thursday, Buttimer was again arrested for refusing to wear a mask in Riverview Shopping Centre, Bandon.