Drunk Cork man told female paramedic who came to his assistance: 'I’ll get you one way or the other'

Accused also pleaded guilty to numerous shoplifting offences around Cork

Accused was sentenced to two months in prison. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A paramedic was assisting a man who was in difficulties at a bus shelter in Cork, but he turned on her with the threat: “I’ll get you one way or the other.” 

29-year-old Jonathan O’Driscoll, of 40 Spring Lane, Blackpool, Cork, was sentenced by Judge Catherine Ryan to a total of two months in prison for this threatening behaviour and a series of other offences, to which he pleaded guilty.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis outlined the background to the incident, which occurred on November 6, 2025, when gardaí received a call to attend Thomas Davis Street, Cork, where an ambulance crew required assistance.

“On arrival, they met Jonathan O'Driscoll lying on the ground under a bus shelter. He was asleep and snoring loudly. A strong smell of intoxicating liquor was emanating from his breath. Mr O'Driscoll was roused and assessed by paramedics. 

"Following examination, they deemed no medical treatment was required. Mr O'Driscoll was unsteady on his feet, visibly intoxicated to such an extent as he was a danger to himself and other members of the public.

“Mr O'Driscoll's demeanour was aggressive, especially towards a female paramedic. Mr O'Driscoll shouted: 'I'll get you one way or another' in a threatening manner.

“Mr O'Driscoll then repeatedly punched the bus shelter in a violent outburst. There was no damage caused. Jonathan O'Driscoll was arrested and conveyed to Gurranabraher Garda Station,” Sgt Dineen said.

O'Driscoll pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening behaviour and numerous counts of shoplifting — some of them repeat offences at the same premises.

They all occurred from September to December 2025. 

On September 19, he stole four bottles of wine at Maxol on Skehard Road.

On September 20, he was intoxicated and a danger at Lapp’s Quay.

The following day, he stole three bottles of wine at Maxol on Skehard Road, at 1pm. And returned to the same place at 3.30 pm, and stole four more bottles. On October 1, he stole €30 worth of groceries there.

On October 26, he took a €215 North Face tracksuit from JD Sports, St Patrick's Street. Two days later, he stole a €230 Berghaus tracksuit from the same store.

On November 1, he was shoplifting at Tesco, Paul Street.

One week later, he stole a six-pack of beer at Tesco Express, South Main Street. On the same date, he stole a Nike tracksuit valued €220 from JD Sports on St Patrick Street.

On November 22, he was shoplifting at Marks & Spencer.

And finally, he was intoxicated and a danger on St Patrick Street on December 11.

Sgt Davis said a total of €825 worth of stolen property had never been recovered, arising out of these offences.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the 29-year-old’s main criminal record was for public order and alcohol-related offences.

“Drink caused him to lose contact with his family. He went on a spate of drinking for four or five months,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Ryan noted the young man’s life seemed to have spiralled out of control recently. She expressed the hope he would get assistance in prison in staying off alcohol