'Horrible' vitriol of a sexual nature towards gardaí lands Cork man in prison

The defendant had no memory of his drunken behaviour in the early hours of the morning and was horrified to hear what he had said

The incident happened when gardaí went to investigate a disturbance at 1am in Ballyvolane. File photo

Horrible vitriol was shouted at gardaí during a public order incident in Ballyvolane where threats of a sexual nature were made against family and children of gardaí, a court in Cork heard on Monday.

Aaron McSweeney of 47 Glenfields Park, Ballyvolane, Cork, told his solicitor, Frank Buttimer, he had no memory of his drunken behaviour in the early hours of the morning and was horrified to hear what he had said to gardaí. He apologised for what he shouted at them.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a five-month prison sentence on the 29-year-old who pleaded guilty to obstructing and threatening gardaí and being so intoxicated that he was a danger.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said gardaí went to investigate a disturbance at 1am on June 16 at Glenfields Park. “Gardaí met with Aaron McSweeney who was intoxicated and highly aggressive towards gardaí.

“He confronted gardaí on a number of occasions in a confrontational manner while shouting threats at them,” Sergeant Davis said. Threats were made by the 29-year-old including comments that were made in graphic sexual terms.

During the vitriol which Judge Dorgan described as horrible, Aaron McSweeney shouted: 

“I’ll kill your family.” 

“I’ll rape your wife and your kids.” 

“I’ll fight all of you.” 

“I’ll f*** your mother.” 

At a time when a large number of members of the public had gathered, he also shouted at gardaí, “You are all queers.” 

Sgt Davis said the defendant was requested to desist and leave the area on several occasions but he refused to do so. He then attempted to run away. After a brief struggle during which garda incapacitant spray had to be used, the defendant was arrested.

Mr Buttimer said the accused had been off alcohol for some time but relapsed as a result of his response to a difficult circumstance which arose.

“He had no recollection of the incident due to excessive consumption of alcohol. I read it out to him and he was horrified at what he said. He would like to offer a public apology to the gardaí,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Dorgan said: “This was a horrible thing to say to people doing their work trying to control law and order at one o’clock in the morning. They should not have to hear that kind of vitriol from a man who loses control of himself when he drinks.”