Man jailed for attacking staff at Cork bar with boxcutter knife after being refused drink

The court heard David White 'returned to the premises wearing a facemask and marched behind the bar and headbutted a member of staff'

The accused signed pleas of guilty to two counts of assault causing harm to members of staff at The Briar Rose, Douglas Road, Cork, on Saturday, November 12, 2022, and production of a knife on the same occasion. File picture: Denis Minihane.

A man with a boxcutter knife who carried out a violent attack on two young men behind the bar at The Briar Rose pub in Douglas has been jailed for one year.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy imposed a total sentence of two years on 44-year-old David White of Glencurrig, South Douglas Road, Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The accused signed pleas of guilty to two counts of assault causing harm to members of staff at The Briar Rose, Douglas Road, Cork, on Saturday, November 12, 2022, and production of a knife on the same occasion.

Judge Dunphy noted that David White of Glencurrig, South Douglas Road, Cork, had been drinking at the pub but when it became clear that he was intoxicated and becoming troublesome after he was refused further alcohol.

He then left the premises but returned and confronted two members of staff while in possession of a boxcutter knife.

“He was refused further alcohol given his high level of alcohol. He returned to the premises wearing a facemask and marched behind the bar and headbutted a member of staff.

“Outside the bar, customers were fleeing in terror as Mr White was overpowered and held until guards arrived. He had been consuming alcohol and he was angry that he would be refused service and would be given no more service because of his intoxication.” 

The defendant later claimed that the boxcutter knife happened to be in his work trousers and that he would not have used it.

Judge Dunphy said €2,750 compensation was offered by the accused to the assaulted staff but they had no wish to receive it.

“He has shown genuine remorse, shock and regret in relation to his actions. He is in employment. He has not come to garda attention since. He has not had alcohol since and is described (in testimonials) as a valued member of the community.

“This customer intentionally armed and disguised himself and assaulted two members of staff. I cannot suspend all of the sentence,” Judge Dunphy said.