Cork man allegedly brandished axe at gardaí and threatened to take their heads off

Accused waved the axe towards gardaí and stated, ‘Come up here and I’ll take your head off… Come and see what I’ll do to you…', court hears

Accused is now charged with resisting Garda David Kiely at 143 Farranferris Avenue on July 16, resisting Garda Paraic White on the same occasion, and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to both gardaí. Picture: Larry Cummins

Gardaí arriving at a house in Cork had to contend with a man brandishing an axe at the top of the stairs, threatening he would take their heads off if they came upstairs.

These allegations were made at an in camera hearing of Cork District Court, where the 31-year-old Stephen Murphy, of 143 Farranferris Avenue, Farranree, Cork, had existing charges against him withdrawn and replaced with new charges instead.

He is now charged with resisting Garda David Kiely at 143 Farranferris Avenue on July 16, resisting Garda Paraic White on the same occasion, and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to both gardaí. 

The fourth charge is one of producing in a manner likely to intimidate another person an article capable of causing serious injury, namely a hatchet.

Sergeant John Dineen said the case against Stephen Murphy could be dealt with at Cork District Court level. Judge Mary Dorgan agreed to accept jurisdiction but added she would only do so on a plea of guilty being entered by the defendant. Frank Buttimer solicitor said a plea of guilty would be entered.

A precis of the evidence is to be sent to the defence and the case was adjourned until November 19.

Sgt Dineen said gardaí were at the defendant’s house on July 16.

“Gardaí entered the residence with permission and were met with Stephen Murphy at the top of the stairs brandishing an axe and threatening gardaí.

“He waved the axe towards gardaí and stated, ‘Come up here and I’ll take your head off… Come and see what I’ll do to you… You’re nothing but a useless c***’.

“A standoff continued until the intervention of the Armed Support Unit, where the accused surrendered to gardaí,” Sgt Dineen said.

The accused was remanded on continuing bail on conditions, including he would be of good behaviour at the family home, advise gardaí if changing address, engage with mental health services, be of sober habits, sign on once a week at his local Garda station, abstain from intoxicants and not take unprescribed medications.

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