Gardaí had to pepper spray man who refused to leave Cork social welfare office

The accused, who failed to attend court, was convicted of assaulting a police officer and failing to identify himself when required by gardaí

Gardaí Kevin O’Neill and Lee Gayden responded to a call from staff at the social welfare office (pictured) at Clarke’s Bridge in Cork at lunchtime on August 17 last.

Staff at the social welfare office in Cork city had to call gardaí because a man refused to leave and officers ended up having to pepper spray the man and carry him out because he would not walk.

Henry Okeiyimnor, aged 45, did not turn up at Cork District Court for the case against him. Judge Olann Kelleher heard the prosecution evidence in the absence of the defendant, whose solicitor Eddie Burke was present for the case.