Cork man admits assaulting security guard and causing criminal damage at Mercy hospital

Accused was being held in room with door force closed by security staff due to his aggressive behaviour when incident occurred, court told

Court heard accused was 'an involuntary attendee' at the hospital in relation to mental health concerns. Picture: Denis Scannell

Patients at Mercy University Hospital were faced with a violent disturbance caused by another patient assaulting a member of staff and on Monday the accused man was arrested and his case was adjourned for sentencing on Friday.

Garda Daniel Culloty arrested 27-year-old Richard O’Brien as he failed to show up in court for this and other cases.

Richard O’Brien, of 14 Hollyhill Heights, Hollyhill, Cork, pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting a security officer, causing criminal damage and engaging in threatening behaviour.

The incident occurred on the morning of July 21, 2023, at 9.20am.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis previously outlined the facts of the case.

“Gardaí were dispatched to the Mercy hospital. Staff were having difficulties with a patient. On arrival, gardaí were met by security at the ambulance bay, who outlined that a patient was in the resus area and was aggressive and threatening towards staff.

“The patient was being held in a small room with the door being forced closed by security staff due to his aggression. Richard O’Brien tried to get out of this room by kicking and running at the door. In doing this, he reached out his arm and in doing so he struck the member of security staff in the face.

“The door and door frame were damaged and there was blood from the patient’s head wound on the floor and walls. The injured party suffered a minor injury,” Sgt Davis said.

The accused had 38 previous convictions, including 10 for threatening behaviour, four for assault and one for causing criminal damage.

Sgt Davis pointed out the assault occurred in the course of the young man’s attempt to force his way out of the room in which he was being held.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, described Mr O’Brien as “an involuntary attendee” at the hospital in relation to mental health concerns.

Judge Dorgan put sentencing back until October 18.

The same man indicated his intention to plead guilty to indictable charges arising out of another incident on August 19, 2023, at Paul Street shopping centre on charges of assaulting a woman, threatening to kill the woman, and producing a floor sign in a threatening manner