Cork man’s alcohol problem 'came to head' when he shouted abuse at gardaí

Court heard when gardaí tried to speak to accused, he called them 'f*****G c**ts, I'll beat ye'

The court was told Mr O’Sullivan had 13 previous convictions, including one for threatening and abusive behaviour, and one for drink-driving. Picture: iStock

A Cork man whose alcohol problem had been getting worse over a 12-month period saw things “come to head” when he shouted abuse at gardaí who had come to his assistance.

Inspector Michael Hogan told Youghal District Court a call was received on June 7, 2025, at 10.30pm that a man was in an intoxicated state at Cork Hill, Youghal Co Cork. 

When gardaí arrived, they discovered Paul O’Sullivan, aged 40, of Newtown Court, Douglas, Cork, in a highly intoxicated state and unable to properly stand.

When attending gardaí tried to speak to Mr O’Sullivan, he became highly abusive and shouted: “Guards are fucking c**ts, I’ll beat ye.” 

Mr O’Sullivan was arrested for his own safety and the safety of others and taken into custody. The court was told Mr O’Sullivan had 13 previous convictions, including one for threatening and abusive behaviour, and one for drink-driving.

Defence solicitor Aaron O’Sullivan said his client was “extremely embarrassed” by what happened. 

He said the father of three had been dealing with a significant alcohol problem for a year that “had come to a head”. He said Mr O’Sullivan was seeking counselling to help him address the issue.

Judge Brian O’Shea convicted Mr O’Sullivan of threatening and abusive behaviour, and fined him €300. The charge of public intoxication was taken into consideration. Recognisance for appeal was set at €150.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme