'My downfall is the drink': Cork man who called gardaí 'rats' jailed

The man was sentenced to two months in prison.

A man who called gardaí 'rats' during a drunken outburst said in court: “My downfall is the drink.” 

That was the declaration made by John McDonagh, aged 35, of 1 Inchera Close, Mahon, Cork, when he appeared by video link from prison for his latest crimes.

Sergeant John Dineen said that on April 3, 2024, gardaí were on duty at Innishmore Lawn, Ballincollig, Co Cork, where they encountered the defendant with a strong smell of intoxicating liquor and being irate and aggressive.

McDonagh said to gardaí at the height of the incident: “Go fuck yourselves, you rats.” 

Sergeant Dineen said the accused had 157 previous convictions including eleven counts of engaging in threatening behaviour and 24 for being drunk and a danger.

Shane Collins-Daly said of the accused: “He has a significant alcohol addiction.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan said it would be great if he could leave his drinking behind him, adding that he is always respectful in court when sober.

That was when the man remarked that drink was his downfall.

Judge Dorgan sentenced him to two months imprisonment for engaging in threatening behaviour.