Man resisting arrest on Cork City street shouted 'I’m the boss, I am Satan'

The man pleaded guilty to charges of being intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself or others and engaging in threatening behaviour at Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork in April. File picture: Denis Minihane

“F*** you, I’m the boss, I am Satan.” That was part of a 54-year-old man’s rant against gardaí as he violently resisted arrest during an incident in Cork City.

The incident came to light at Cork District Court where Sergeant Aisling Murphy described the background to the incident involving Niall O’Brien.

He pleaded guilty to charges of being intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself or others and engaging in threatening behaviour at Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, on April 23.

Garda Kenneth Lawton arrived at the scene where Niall O’Brien was causing a disturbance, shouting and refusing to give his details to Garda Lawton.

“He continued to shout obscenities and poked Garda Lawton forcefully in the chest. He resisted violently and was handcuffed behind his back before being conveyed to the Bridewell.

“When searched he had a sharply pointed scissors in his possession,” Sgt Murphy said. He was caught shoplifting at Mr Price on North Main Street, Cork, on June 10, when he stole a can of Coke and 13-piece drill bit set.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “I have read the probation report indicating he has significant issues. He is very honest in relation to his issues.” Joseph Cuddigan said of the accused: “He is getting a depot injection and is finding this beneficial.” 

Judge Dorgan noted this, saying: “That is very good.” In those circumstances the judge put him on a 12-month probation bond.

April court appearance

When the accused was first charged in April with these public order offences he was found in contempt of court. He insisted his name was Cornelius O’Brien, not Niall O’Brien, and shouted: “You are not prosecuting me.” 

When advised by the judge on that day to instruct a solicitor to represent himself, he replied: “I am representing myself.” Sergeant Gearóid Davis said there was no objection to bail on the three charges. 

Judge Kelly said she would remand him on bail on condition that he would stay out of the city centre. The defendant shouted: “On a public order charge – that is bullshit.” 

When the visiting judge, Judge Treasa Kelly, said she was finding him in contempt of court, Niall O’Brien shouted at the judge, “I am holding you in contempt of court. This is an illegal court. I am claiming not political prisoner status but political activist status. This is an illegal court, an illegal operation.” 

While granted bail later that day he first refused to sign his bail bond but then said: “I have changed my mind,” and added that he would sign the bond to be released.