Man who started arguments with random strangers in Cork city jailed

Man with 229 previous convictions pleads guilty to public order and shoplifting offences

Roy Twohig, aged 45, of Cork Simon Community, has been given a total sentence of six months by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court.

A man starting arguments with random members of the public in Cork city centre just before Christmas pleaded guilty to several public order and shoplifting offences against a background of 229 previous convictions.

Roy Twohig, aged 45, of Cork Simon Community, has been given a total sentence of six months by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court for his latest offences.

The most recent offences committed by Mr Twohig occurred two days before Christmas when he was involved in a number of incidents.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said that on December 23, 2024, he was found to be so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others at Cornmarket Street, Cork.

On the same date he stole a navy puffer jacket from Marks and Spencer at Merchants Quay.

And by 8pm that evening there were reports of Roy Twohig again in an intoxicated condition walking through the city and starting arguments with members of the public. Gardaí attended the scene and could not locate him. Afterwards there was a second call about him banging on the door of Cork Simon at Anderson’s Quay.

He was intoxicated and very emotional and arrested as he was a danger to himself, Sgt Murphy said.

On November 21, the same man stole €52 cash from a charity shop — The Greater Chernobyl Cause at Merchants Quay shopping centre.

The court heard that, on November 26, he stole clothing from Mick Murphy’s, North Main Street. And on the same date he stole €229 worth of clothing from Brown Thomas.

Eddie Burke solicitor said the accused had been homeless for a long period of time and did go into addiction treatment in Drumcondra where he had been doing very well but unfortunately had a slip and got into all the recent difficulties.

“He has conveyed to the governor of the prison his wish to get back into treatment,” Mr Burke said.