Cork farmer removed from court after 'crooked cops' remark during sentencing

Man alleged lies were being told by as evidence heard in assault case

The sentencing hearing took place at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

 A farmer facing sentence today for a violent assault on a retired woman who is his neighbour had to be removed from court — as he spoke over a detective’s evidence and saying: “I am being lied to by the corrupt, crooked cops.” 

Judge Colin Daly gave Hugh O’Brien three warnings not to interrupt proceedings at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. On the third occasion when Mr O’Brien of Ballyanly, Inniscarra, County Cork, spoke up loudly from the dock, the judge directed that he be removed from court.

He complained of “an outrageous lie” about his previous convictions.

Detective Garda Mick Dolan said as he was outlining the defendant’s seven previous convictions that he was aware that the accused contested them, so brought certified printed copies of the convictions before giving this evidence.

As the evidence was being given, Hugh O’Brien said: “If I had 200 previous convictions, Dolan (the detective garda) would do more talking. You’d swear I killed ten people the way he is talking.” 

The judge told the accused to stop interrupting and said his barrister Brian Leahy was present in court to represent him. The accused replied: “He hasn’t stood up yet.” 

Judge Daly said the defence barrister would do so when it was his turn.

Judge Daly finally ordered that the accused be taken out of court and brought to a video suite in the courthouse by the prison officers for the sentencing to continue with the accused appearing in court by video link.

He was convicted of assault causing harm to his retired neighbour, Mary O’Brien Daly, on December 8, 2021, by the unanimous decision of a jury this week after they deliberated on the evidence for less than an hour.

Mr O’Brien spoke up in the dock also on February 21 when the unanimous guilty verdict was delivered: “The jury got it wrong  — W.R.O.N.G. — I am innocent of this charge.” The sentencing hearing is due to continue later today.