Cork man 'surrounded by beer cans' may have a drink problem, says judge
Gardaí found the defendant surrounded by 'a large quantity of empty beer cans'. File picture
A Cork man who was arrested for threatening and abusive behaviour and being drunk in public may have an alcohol problem, according to a district court judge.
Court presenter Sergeant Linda O’Leary told Midleton District Court that gardaí were called to a disturbance at Kennedy Pier in Cobh, Co Cork, at 7.45pm on the evening of August 8, 2025.
When they arrived at the scene, they found David Parker, aged 44 of Rushbrooke Manor, Cobh, surrounded by “a large quantity of empty beer cans”.
When gardaí questioned Mr Parker he became aggressive and told them “you’ve got to be joking” and asked “have you nothing better to be doing?”.
Sgt O’Leary said the area was busy with members of the public, including children at the time, and Parker was arrested. The court was told that Parker had 45 previous convictions, including nine for being drunk in public and seven for threatening and abusive behaviour.
Defence solicitor, Don Ryan, said his client had been playing music which led to “a bit of a discussion” with another person at the pier and the gardaí were called. He said that Parker was pleading guilty and agreed that his behaviour was unacceptable.
He said that Parker was a carer for his elderly father and was in receipt of carer’s allowance. He added that Parker apologised to gardaí after he was arrested and again subsequently.
Judge Colm Roberts said: “I would strongly suggest you might have a problem with drink.
"It’s not acceptable.”
On the threatening and abusive behaviour charge Parker was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for one year and the public drunkenness charge was taken into consideration.
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