Man suspected of being drunk in Cork town was unsteady due to lung condition, court heard

Accused became abusive when approached by garda in Bandon and told him to 'f*** off' and 'mind his own f****** business' court told

Court told accused felt he was not given the opportunity to explain his medical condition to gardaí, prompting judge to remark: 'He was able to say "fuck off".' Picture: Denis Minihane

A man questioned by gardaí over alleged intoxication in a public place was actually suffering the effects of a chronic lung condition, with a court told he then verbally abused gardaí and resisted arrest.

Hugh Hicks had previously been out celebrating his 60th birthday in Bandon, Co Cork, and was approached by a garda on Main Street in the town the following morning, as he appeared to be unsteady on his feet.