Young man seen swinging slash-hook over his head jailed

A young man seen swinging a slash-hook over his head at the scene of a public affray involving two families back in July 2020 has been sentenced to four months in prison.

Daniel Quilligan, who is in his early 20s, of the halting site, Little Island, County Cork, pleaded guilty to charges arising out of that incident and another one involving burglary much more recently.

Defence barrister Jack Sreenan said: 

“He has a difficult background. He does suffer from psychosis. He has severe mental health difficulties. He is currently taking medication. He is feeling far better and feels that the medication is effective.” 

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the recent incident occurred on August 15 2023 when gardaí received a report of an alarm at around 4.30am at Airflow, Courtstown, Little Island.

Gardaí entered the premises and observed a man looking through boxes on the premises. He was identified as Daniel Quilligan and had no permission to be on the premises.

Judge Mary Dorgan gave the defendant a sentence of two months for that offence and a concurrent four months for his part in the public affray back in 2020.

Sergeant Lyons said: “After 10.30am on July 1 2020 at Lakelands Crescent, Mahon, a group of men presented at the front door of a house with various weapons calling out and threatening residents inside.

“Gardaí responded quickly but the men were gone when officers arrived.

“Daniel Quilligan was holding a slash-hook throughout the incident and swinging it continuously. At one stage he is seen throwing this at other parties and then picking up another weapon from the ground.” 

As well as the sentence of four months for that affray, the judge also imposed a four months suspended sentence post-release.