Drunk Cork man accused of biting garda during St Patrick's Night disturbance

Bail conditions for accused include signing on three times a week at Mayfield Garda Station, residing at his home address, abstaining from intoxicants and keeping an 11pm to 7am curfew. File picture: Denis Minihane

A member of An Garda Síochána was bitten at about 9pm on St Patrick’s night by a 32-year-old man, it was alleged as the man was arrested and brought before Cork District Court on Wednesday.

Garda Mary Gallagher objected to bail being granted to the accused man, Robert McCann, of Meadowbrook, Riverstown, Glanmire, Co Cork.

He was charged with biting Garda Eric Stafford on his lower arm, causing the skin to break in the course of arrest.

The background to the alleged assault was that the accused man was arrested for public order offences, including being drunk and a danger, engaging in threatening behaviour and obstruction of a member of An Garda Síochána. 

Garda Gallaher said a more serious charge was to follow. Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly objected and said only matters with which the defendant was charged were before the court.

During cross-examination, Garda Gallagher accepted the prosecution would agree to the accused being remanded on bail on conditions.

Those conditions include signing on three times a week at Mayfield Garda Station, residing at his home address, abstaining from intoxicants and keeping an 11pm to 7am curfew.

Judge Walsh also required his own bond of €1,000, with a cash lodgment of €800, as well as an independent surety of €1,000.

He was remanded in custody until March 25 with consent to bail on those terms.