Cork man who made death threats to woman and wielded broken bottle at gardaí is jailed

Defendant has acute mental health issues, exacerbated by polysubstance abuse, court told

Judge imposed a sentence of three years, with the last year suspended, on the accused. Picture: Larry Cummins

A two-year jail term was imposed on a man who terrified a young woman by sending her death threats, as the judge noted he was beginning to show some insight into how the victim was impacted by his actions.

Aggravating the situation when gardaí went to arrest him, he wielded broken glass bottles and resisted.

Judge Helen Boyle imposed a sentence of three years, with the last year suspended on Scott O’Regan.

Garda Kate Kelly gave evidence of Mr O’Regan threatening to kill the woman on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022.

36-year-old Scott O’Regan, of 44 Ardmanning Avenue, Togher, Cork, pleaded guilty to making this death threat. He also admitted holding up broken bottles to gardaí when they came to arrest him on a later date.

The complainant told gardaí she was receiving voicemails and texts from Scott O’Regan that were threatening in nature and they were making her nervous.

“She was visibly upset when she made the complaint. Gardaí went to his residence on February 12, 2023, at Ardmanning Avenue.

“Scott O’Regan backed into the kitchen, armed himself with a glass bottle, broke the bottle and pointed it at gardaí. He came to the front door armed with another glass bottle and was asked to desist and was told he would be pepper-sprayed. He smashed a second bottle and pointed it at gardaí.

“Members of the Regional Support Unit entered the house but he was no longer there. He was seen on Fr Dominic Road and he actively resisted arrested,” Garda Kelly said. 

"He was initially too intoxicated to be interviewed. He later confirmed that it was his voice on the voicemails and admitted making threats against her physical wellbeing and threatening to kill her."

The injured party opted not to make a victim impact statement.

O'Regan has 50 previous convictions, including six for assault and two for assault causing harm.

Jane Hyland, defence senior counsel, said the accused had numerous referrals to psychiatric services. She said he did have an extensive period of sobriety.

“He clearly has acute mental health issues, exacerbated by polysubstance abuse.

“He accepted he was verbally very nasty. He did not realise the extent of what he said until he listened back to it on tape. He says how sorry he is for the offence and he asks for leniency,” Ms Hyland said.

Judge Boyle said: “He threatened to break her nose and considerable terrifying threats, including threats to kill her.” 

Addressing the accused directly, the judge said: “You have a history of polysubstance abuse and numerous referrals to psychiatric services. You don’t appear to have a formal diagnosis. Your GP says you have very brittle mental health." 

The judge noted while the accused did not have a psychiatric diagnosis, he had been prescribed anti-psychotic medication, as well as tablets for depression and anxiety.

“You say you would not have carried out the threats, but you are a high risk of reoffending. The probation report describes you as a vulnerable and emotionally unstable young man,” Judge Boyle said.

The three-year sentence, with the last year suspended was backdated to July, when Scott O’Regan went into custody.