Drunk Cork man charged with head-butting bus windscreen, causing it to smash

Defendant also charged with trespassing in private property where owner saw accused man standing topless inside bedroom window, court told

Defendant was highly abusive to bus driver, court heard. Picture: Larry Cummins

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026 - 16:47

Liam Heylin

Head-butting the windscreen of a bus in Cork city centre causing it smash is the allegation against a man who has been remanded in custody until July 9.

45-year-old Michael John Butler, of 5 Churchfield Terrace East, Cork, is charged with causing criminal damage to the 202 bus last month.

He is also charged with trespassing at a house in the Mayfield area last December.

Sergeant John Dineen said the alleged incident occurred on May 8 while the accused man was travelling on the 202 bus from Hollyhill to Merchants Quay in Cork City.

“While on the bus, the male was highly intoxicated and abusive to the bus driver. He then got off the bus at Merchants Quay and walked around the front of the bus where he head-butted the front windscreen, causing it to smash.

“The bus driver has made a statement to gardaí in relation to the incident. The bus driver also pointed out the male as Michael Butler who caused the damage to the bus.

“In relation to the trespass incident on December 29, 2025, the injured party attended Mayfield Garda Station to report when he returned home from town he heard banging inside in his property.

“When he looked up to front bedroom window, he observed a topless male standing inside the window. Michael Butler was identified as the suspect. The injured party has made a statement in relation to the incident,” Sgt Dineen alleged in relation to the two incidents.

Now, at Cork District Court, Sergeant Aisling Murphy has indicated DPP directions are awaited on the charges.

Judge Valerie Corcoran remanded him in custody until July 9, noting legal representation was not available to the accused because of the dispute between solicitors and the minister for justice on planned changes to payments on free legal aid.