Swimmers cleared from water at West Cork beach as lifeguards dealt with drunk, abusive man

About 1,000 people were enjoying the scorching weather on Warren strand in Rosscarbery on Saturday when a 'highly intoxicated' man was threatening and abusive to lifeguards, court told

Accused was slurring his speech and shouting at the gardaí and lifeguards to f*** off and leave him alone, court heard. File picture: Andy Gibson

Gardaí had to clear swimmers from the water at Warren strand in Rosscarbery on the hottest day of the year, as lifeguards struggled with a drunken man bleeding from the hand and verbally abusing them.

Gardaí objected to bail being granted to 20-year-old Tom Walker, of 3 Dromleigh, Bantry, Co Cork, at Cork District Court, where he appeared on public order charges on Monday.

Judge William Aylmer did release him on bail but one of the conditions was that he would stay off all public beaches throughout Co Cork until the case against him is concluded.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, asked the young man if he understood the condition of bail requiring him to stay off all Cork beaches and he replied, “Yeah, a hundred percent.” 

Judge Aylmer went through the conditions that included remaining intoxicant-free in public. When the judge put that condition to Tom Walker, the 20-year-old said, “Yeah, no bother.” During the bail hearing on Monday, the defendant’s right hand was strapped and bandaged.

Garda Michael O’Donoghue testified at Cork District Court: “On [Saturday afternoon] July 12, gardaí received a call to attend at the Warren strand, Roscarberry. A highly intoxicated man was refusing to get out of the water and was threatening and abusive to lifeguards, saying he would slash them.

“Gardaí attended at the scene, where approximately 1,000 men, women and children were present due to the good weather.

“The water had been cleared for everyone’s safety but all members of the public remained on the beach. The lifeguards had the suspect lying on a surfboard hip deep in the water to control the situation.

“When they brought him to land, he at first seemed to be passed out due to his intoxication. He was bleeding from knuckles on his right hand. There was a strong smell of intoxicants from him.

“When he opened his eyes, he attempted to get up but was very unsteady on his feet. He was slurring his speech and shouting at the gardaí and lifeguards to f*** off and leave him alone. He refused or was unable to provide his details.

“At 5pm on Warren strand, he was arrested. He gave his details as Tom Walker of 3 Dromleigh, Bantry, Co Cork.” 

Mr Buttimer said of the young man: “He is now living in Bantry, he is no longer living in Mayfield.” Another bail condition requires him to sign at Bantry Garda Station each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

The case was adjourned from Cork District Court to Bandon District Court on Friday, July 18.