'People don’t have time for you pricks anymore', Cork man shouted as he repeatedly spat at gardaí

Accused was 'extremely drunk' and is 'mortally embarrassed' over incident in city centre, court heard

Accused admitted engaging in threatening behaviour and being so intoxicated he was a danger to himself or others.

A 46-year-old Cork man repeatedly spat at gardaí in the city centre, shouting at them: “People don’t have time for you pricks anymore.” 

Kenneth Matthews, of 3 The Heights, Killeens, Blarney, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to four separate charges arising out of this incident, which occurred on Washington Street on September 7.

He admitted engaging in threatening behaviour and being so intoxicated he was a danger to himself or others.

Sergeant John Kelleher said that at 1.45am on that Saturday morning on Washington Street, Cork, he came to the attention of gardaí because he was causing a disturbance, having been refused entry to a premises in the area.

“He spat three times in the direction of gardaí. A fourth time he spat and narrowly missed Sergeant John Green’s shoe. He pointed at gardaí and shouted: ‘People don’t have time for you pricks anymore’. He also said, ‘F*** you, you cannot talk to me like that’,” Sgt John Kelleher said at Cork District Court.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “The facts are accepted. He knew he was extremely drunk. He had no doubt he was guilty and always intended to plead guilty.

“He should know better and he is mortally embarrassed.

“He is working. He has asked me to offer his sincere apologies to the gardaí and he would welcome an opportunity to make a contribution to the Garda Benevolent Fund.

“He accepts he has a record. He is off the drink again. He has a relationship with alcohol which is unhealthy,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Philip O’Leary said: “His behaviour on the night was quite disrespectful. It is not fair on any serving guard.” 

The judge said he would finalise the case with a €350 fine for the accused's threatening behaviour and he took the drunkenness into consideration.

Judge O’Leary said in relation to the offer by Kenneth Matthews to make a contribution to the Garda Benevolent Fund that he could do so outside court.

The defendant has 26 previous convictions including six for being drunk and a danger to himself or others and three for engaging in threatening behaviour.