Corkman accused of smashing down apartment door with hammer

The court heard that gardaí from the armed support unit had to subdue and handcuff the accused

Paul O’Callaghan of An Bruach. Halfway, Ballinhassig, County Cork, appeared on Tuesday at Cork District Court facing a criminal damage charge. File picture: Larry Cummins

Armed gardaí rushed to an apartment complex in Ballinhassig last Christmas following a report of one resident smashing down the door of another resident with a hammer.

Paul O’Callaghan of An Bruach. Halfway, Ballinhassig, County Cork, appeared on Tuesday at Cork District Court facing a criminal damage charge.

Judge Mary Dorgan accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case after hearing an outline of the alleged evidence against the accused.

Sergeant John Kelleher said: “On December 23, 2023, gardaí received a call from control of a man breaking down the door of an apartment with a hammer. He went back to his apartment which is on the top floor of the complex.

“Gardaí from the armed support unit arrived at the scene and the accused had to be subdued and handcuffed.” 

Frank Buttimer solicitor represented Paul O’Callaghan and said: “There will be a plea of guilty to the charge.” On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge Mary Dorgan put the case back to April 22 for a victim impact statement.

Judge Dorgan asked how much damage was done to the door of the other person in the apartment complex. Mr Buttimer said the amount of the damage was €400 to €500 and he said that the accused would gather compensation for the owner of the apartment.

The case against the 41-year-old was adjourned until April 22 at Cork District Court by Judge Mary Dorgan.