Drunken Cork man who swung pick-axe at garda 'more of a danger to himself', court told

The defendant was jailed for two years with the last six months suspended

Detective Sergeant Kieran O’Sullivan said: 'In my dealings with Dean he is more a harm to himself than anyone else.' File picture

A drunken man swung a pickaxe and threatened a member of An Garda Síochána that he would take his head clean off him, Cork Circuit Criminal Court has heard.

Detective Sergeant Kieran O’Sullivan gave this evidence in the case against 26-year-old Dean Oosterloo, but added: “Dean is always more of a danger to himself than anyone else.” 

Judge Sinead Behan said in all of the circumstances she would impose a sentence of two years with the last six months suspended. 

Conditions of the suspended portion of the sentence required him to co-operate with probation, particularly in relation to the use of addiction services on his release from prison.

The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, at his home address in Mill Park, Old Mallow Rd, Blackpool, Cork, following a 999 call about his aggressive behaviour.

“When gardaí arrived, Dean said he had something for them — he came back out with a pick-axe. He started swinging it and shouted, ‘I’m going to take the head clean off you’.

“He began to move about the estate for about 10 minutes and he would not drop the axe. Pepper-spray had to be deployed to subdue him and he had to be placed in handcuffs.” 

Jessica Kelleher said the accused was apologetic and remorseful soon afterwards. Det. Sgt O’Sullivan agreed with this.

The detective spoke in favour of the young man when he said: “In my dealings with Dean he is more a harm to himself than anyone else.” 

Ms Kelleher said of the defendant: “He is keen to become more positively active in his family’s life. He has a serious alcohol problem and when he gets involved with alcohol he gets involved in this sort of incident. He has written a letter to the court. He wants to continue to do well.” 

Judge Sinéad Behan said the prosecution evidence in the case was very fair. “Nonetheless, it was a very serious incident.”