Australian man shouted 'f*** ye, I’ll get ye all and I’ll kill ye' at gardaí in Cork Airport

Defendant caused such a disturbance it took four security staff to restrain him, court heard

Accused admitted engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the terminal building of Cork Airport on September 11. File picture

An Australian man caused such a disturbance at Cork Airport that it took four members of security staff to restrain him as he shouted, “f*** ye, I’ll get ye all and I’ll kill ye”, while members of the public were present.

27-year-old Jackson Twomey, of Bay Street, Mosman, Sydney, was before Cork District Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to two charges arising out of the disturbance at lunchtime on Friday.

He admitted engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and resisting Garda Mairéad Enneguess at the terminal building of Cork Airport on September 11.

Sergeant John Dineen said: “At 1.20pm, gardaí were notified by airport security at Cork International Airport that there was a man, namely Jackson Twomey, acting in a violent, threatening and aggressive manner, resulting in him being restrained by four personnel from airport security.

“On arrival of gardaí, Jackson Twomey was lashing out with his legs and hands and was being erratic, resisted arrest and shouted, ‘f*** ye, I’ll get ye all and I’ll kill ye’, while members of the public were present.” 

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said: “He is from Sydney, he lives with his parents. His father comes from Cork and his mother is an Australian citizen. He is a very decent, pleasant young man who is extremely apologetic for what happened.” 

Mr Buttimer said Jackson Twomey had been diagnosed with mental health issues in Australia, and had been prescribed medication, but Mr Buttimer said the diagnosis and the prescription may not have been appropriate as the young man had an adverse reaction to his medication.

“Interestingly, two days before this [the September 11 episode in Cork Airport] he had an interaction of a similar nature in the same location with An Garda Síochána and it was determined [on September 9] there were mental health difficulties,” Mr Buttimer said, adding that he faced a criminal prosecution instead arising out of the second event.

“In effect, he has spent two days in custody and his mental health concern is regrettably ongoing. He has never been in trouble in his life,” Mr Buttimer said.

The solicitor said the defendant’s family was keen for him to be home in Sydney where he could get treatment.

Judge David Waters said: “I am mindful to leave him without a conviction and I take into consideration his mental health situation. I think it is appropriate for him to make a contribution to the Garda charity, Little Blue Heroes.” 

A contribution of €400 was made and on that being done, Judge Waters struck out the two charges against him.