Corkman told to 'sort out his drinking' before sentencing for drunken disturbances

In one incident he entered a restaurant with dried blood on his face and bumped into restaurant tables

Sentencing was adjourned until May 29 at Cork District Court. File picture: Larry Cummins

A young man who admitted causing several drunken disturbances in Cork City, including one where he entered a restaurant with dried blood on his face and bumped into tables, was warned that he was facing jail if he did not deal with his drink problem.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis outlined details at Cork District Court of the public order offences committed by 24-year-old Jamie Butler.

Gardaí went to the assistance of the young man asleep on the street outside The Roundy bar on Castle Street, Cork, on September 8, 2023, but he reacted by pushing one guard and telling him to f*** off.

On September 20, 2023, he came to the attention of gardaí again at Grand Parade, Cork. Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the young man was highly intoxicated shortly after 6pm and unable to stand unaided. When gardaí approached him he became aggressive and kicked out at them as he resisted arrest.

After 11pm on October 20, 2023, an ambulance crew trying to provide assistance to the accused in Cork city centre had to call for the assistance of gardaí due to his level of intoxication. He said to one guard who arrived on the scene: “I’ll f***ing knock you out.” 

There was another incident where he was drunk and a danger to himself or others on October 28.

Most recently at 8pm on February 16 this year at French Church Street, he entered Nando’s restaurant with dry blood on his face and hands. He was highly intoxicated, staggering around the premises, bumping into tables. Gardaí were called and he was arrested at the scene.

Reference was made by the sergeant to the defendant spitting at guards. While Jamie Butler pleaded guilty to the public order charges against him he spoke up in court to say: “I never spat at guards.” 

Significant difficulties

Shane Collins-Daly, defence solicitor, said: “He clearly has a significant alcohol difficulty. He also has mental health difficulties.” Judge Mary Dorgan warned the 24-year-old who lives with a relative at Harbour View Road, Cork, that he was at serious risk of going to prison.

Mr Collins-Daly said: “When he starts drinking he finds it difficult to stop, that is his problem. When approached by gardaí and told he is being arrested — for his own safety as much as anything — he reacts badly. He sincerely apologises.” 

Judge Dorgan directed the preparation of a probation report in advance of sentencing.

The judge told Jamie Butler: “What you really need to do is sort out your drinking. If you do, you have a chance of avoiding prison. But it is up to you to work on it. When you don’t feel like getting out of bed for an appointment (with the probation service or alcohol rehabilitation) it is really important that you do.” 

“I will get out of bed,” the young man said. Sentencing was adjourned until May 29 at Cork District Court.