West Cork grandmother's 'absurd selfishness' for refusing to wear mask lands her in jail

After refusing to wear a mask, Margaret Buttimer refused to leave the restaurant despite being asked to do so 15 times

At Bandon Court- Margaret Buttimer was sentenced to six months in prison in relation to the earlier offence, and had another six-month sentence imposed, this time suspended. Photo: Larry Cummins

A grandmother is facing Christmas in prison after receiving a six month jail sentence and another similar suspended sentence after her latest convictions for refusing to wear a mask on entering retail or food premises.

Margaret Buttimer, 66, of The Cottage, St Fintan's Road, Bandon, Co. Cork, had pleaded not guilty to failing to wear a mask when she attended Jakes Restaurant in Bandon on the morning of November 17 last, with Judge James McNulty also told she refused to leave the premises despite being asked to do so 15 times by a senior staff member.