Corkman claiming to be garda pointed imitation handgun at pub staff and customers

Accused told security staff he would he would have 50 guards there if they did not leave him finish his pint, court told

Incident happened at Crane Lane on Phoenix Street, Cork, on October 19, 2022.

A realistic imitation handgun was pointed by a 48-year-old man during a late-night incident at the Crane Lane premises in Cork City as he declared he was a garda and he would have 50 officers on the scene if he was not allowed to finish his pint.

Eugene O’Neill, of 25 Avenue De Rennes, Mahon, Cork, was first charged with possession of an imitation handgun in relation to the incident. 

Garda Ross Broekhuizen later charged Mr O’Neill with producing the imitation weapon in order to intimidate others.

The accused man indicated through his solicitor, Frank Buttimer, that he was pleading guilty to the charges against him, which relate to October 19, 2022, at Crane Lane on Phoenix Street, Cork.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said: “The defendant produced an imitation firearm on Phoenix Street, Cork, in a threatening manner and pointed it directly at security staff at Crane Lane, having been ejected from the premises for abusing customers.

“Gardaí went to Crane Lane and spoke with the manager. Mr O’Neill was being abusive to customers and staff. Security staff told him he would have to leave.

“He stood up. He took a black steel handgun from the back waistband of his pants.

“He said he was a guard and he would have 50 guards there if they did not leave him finish his pint.

“He was arrested on the South Mall moments later and was found in possession of an imitation firearm.

“Members of the Armed Support Unit apprehended him and an imitation firearm was located in his left jacket pocket.” 

Sgt Davis said there was a possibility a victim impact statement would have to be prepared in advance of sentencing.

Judge Olann Kelleher remanded the accused on bail until October 17 for that purpose.

The first charge is one of possession of a realistic imitation firearm contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, and the second count refers to pointing a realistic imitation firearm at staff to intimidate them and have them believe it to be real.