Judge: 'Cork's Washington Street is like Beirut at times'

Accused verbally abused a sergeant and kicked out at another man, causing him to fall close to passing cars

Washington Street was compared to Beirut by a judge dealing with a violent incident case.

Washington Street in Cork was compared to Beirut by a judge dealing with a violent incident in the area at Cork District Court.

Judge Colm Roberts said: “Washington Street is like Beirut at times unfortunately — that is an insult to Beirut.”

The judge was dealing with a case where one man verbally abused a sergeant and kicked out at another man, causing him to fall close to passing cars.

Jordan Byrne, of 21 Abbey Court, Portlaoise, Co Laois, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour on the occasion.

Sgt Pat Lyons said: “A man was observed in the middle of the road on Washington Street, Cork, kicking out at another unidentified male. This male stumbled and almost fell out in front of oncoming traffic.

“The defendant was spoken to by gardaí. He was highly intoxicated, unsteady on his feet, slurring his speech, and there was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor.

“He was asked for his name and address. He said he would give a false one. He became quite aggressive, calling Sergeant Eamon Fehin a fucking c***."

Judge Roberts was told that the 23-year-old had been living in Cork for 12 months and had too much to drink after getting bad news from home.

He imposed a €250 fine on the defendant for the threatening behaviour.