Cork man, 58, verbally abused neighbours and sent them 'poison pen' notes on betting slips

A 58-year-old man verbally abused his neighbours in Crosshaven as “f***ing Jehovahs” and sent them “poison pen” notes written on Ladbroke’s betting slips.

Brian O’Connell of Castlepoint Court pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and one count of causing criminal damage.

Sergeant John Kelleher said, “On January 2 2022 he verbally abused the family as “f***ing Jehovahs” while standing outside their home.

“Later they heard a loud bang at their front door. They found three ‘poison pen’ letters written on Ladbroke’s betting slips inside the front door.

“The following morning there was a broken terracotta pot and damaged flower stems outside their front door.” Joseph Cuddigan solicitor said the accused lived a relatively isolated existence which deteriorated further during the Covid pandemic.

Mr Cuddigan said there was no denying that the family next door to the defendant must have gone through a horrendous experience.

“He is endeavouring to stay away from alcohol,” Mr Cuddigan said.

Judge Olann Kelleher said that a man of that age getting convicted for the first time would often be given a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act. But he said, “These offences are far too serious for that.” 

The judge said courts needed to support people trying to live in peace. “He has his own difficulties but he should not impose his difficulties on the people living next door,” Judge Kelleher said.

He imposed a two-month jail term suspended on condition that the accused would commit no further offences in the next two years and have no contact direct or indirect with these neighbours.

The judge warned that if there was any more trouble from him he would go to jail for two months.