Drunk Corkman tore sleeve off garda's jacket after 'red mist descended'

Accused approached Garda car and asked them: What the f*** are you looking at?', court heard

Accused pleaded guilty to obstructing gardaí, engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others. Filer picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins 

A member of An Garda Síochána had a sleeve of his uniform jacket torn off by a man he was arresting for drunken behaviour in Douglas.

Christopher Cross, formerly of Ballincurrig Court, Douglas, appeared at Cork District Court where he pleaded guilty to obstructing gardaí, engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others.

Inspector Martin Canny said the incident occurred on March 8, 2023, at Douglas Woollen Mills in Douglas West, Cork.

“Christopher Cross walked out in front of an unmarked patrol car. He was in an intoxicated condition. He approached the Garda vehicle and was abusive to gardaí.

“He asked them: ‘What the f*** are you looking at?’ As gardaí exited the vehicle, Mr Cross walked into Dino’s chipper. They asked him to come out. He was asked for his name and address. He was reluctant to provide details. He was informed he was being arrested for Sections 4 and 6 (the sections of the Public Order Act relating to being drunk and a danger and being threatening).

“He lashed out at the guards and attempted to evade arrest. During this, a uniform sleeve was torn off a Garda jacket. He was brought to Togher Garda Station,” Inspector Canny said.

Ultimately, the defendant was also charged with the third count under the Public Order Act of obstructing a garda.

The defendant’s previous convictions included one for obstruction and others for causing criminal damage and assault causing harm.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said on the evening in March last year the 35-year-old was intoxicated.

“He was walking home minding his own business. He did not realise they were guards and when something was said to him he did ask, ‘what is your problem?’ 

“In the chip shop he became aware they were guards but the red mist had descended at that stage and in the course of the struggle the jacket was ripped.

“He is now in supported lodgings and he is doing very well with the probation service,” Mr Burke said.

Judge Marian O’Leary said she would adjourn sentencing at Cork District Court until April 25 to allow time for preparation of a pre-sanction probation report.