Man accused of carrying large carving knife in Cork city centre granted bail

Solicitor said defendant could not remember anything due to his level of intoxication on Sunday night

Judge Mary Dorgan said she would grant the man bail under strict conditions.

A 26-year-old man who was allegedly carrying a large carving knife in Cork city centre on Sunday night was arrested and brought before Cork District Court.

Gardaí objected to bail being granted to Richard McCarthy, of 10 Spring Lane halting site, Cork.

The incident occurred on O’Keeffe St, by Morrison’s Quay, Cork.

When the accused left the witness box at Cork District Court after giving evidence in his bail application, Judge Mary Dorgan asked: “What was he doing with a large carving knife?” 

The judge directed Richard McCarthy to return to the witness box and she asked him directly about this. The defendant said: “I can’t remember nothing about last night.” 

Judge Dorgan said it was simply not good enough for the defendant to come into court without any explanation.

Eddie Burke solicitor said the defendant could not remember due to his level of intoxication on Sunday night.

Judge Dorgan said she would grant him bail despite the objection by Garda Kevin Roche. However, she said that strict conditions were being applied.

Those conditions included a curfew to be home every night from 9pm to 7am, stay out of Cork city centre, abstain from intoxicants, be contactable by phone at all times with An Garda Síochána, sign on daily at Mayfield garda station, and on a €1,000 bond, of which €150 had to be lodged.