Woman admits threatening behaviour towards another at Cork City post office

The matter was adjourned until June 10 for a probation report on the defendant's suitability for community service

The court heard there was a fight involving a number of women at the GPO on Oliver Plunkett Street. File picture: Pat Good

A woman was assaulted by two other women while queuing in a line at the General Post Office in Cork and now one woman has pleaded guilty to a threatening behaviour charge arising out of the incident.

Sergeant Dave Delea said: “On December 1, 2022, there was a fight involving a number of women at the GPO on Oliver Plunkett Street. When the gardaí arrived at the scene the females had left the scene.

“(From CCTV) one female was approached by two others in a line at the post office.” Judge Mary Dorgan sought clarification at this point: “This happened while in a line in the post office?” Sgt Delea confirmed this was the case.

“The females were unknown to the injured party and she did not want to make a complaint of assault.” For that reason the defendant before the court, Siobhán O’Brien, 35, of no fixed address, was prosecuted instead on a count of engaging in threatening behaviour, under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

Siobhán O’Brien pleaded guilty to that offence. Sgt Delea said the accused had no previous public order convictions. She had one for assault.

Defence solicitor Michael Quinlan said of the accused: “She is doing very well at the moment. She has mental health problems but she is taking them in hand and getting treatment.” 

Judge Dorgan said: “People are entitled to be in the post office safely. I don’t know what this was all about.” Ms O’Brien said the background to it had nothing to do with her.

Judge Dorgan said the defendant could do a period of community service instead of going to prison. The period was not specified and the matter was adjourned until June 10 for a probation report on her suitability for community service.