Cork man who bit garda’s hand as he was arrested is jailed 

A 55-year-old Cork man who was described as introverted and reclusive has been jailed for four months after resisting arrest for being drunk and abusive by biting down on a garda’s hand.

John O’Sullivan, with an address on Shandon St, Cork, pleaded guilty to charges arising out of the incident on July 27, 2022, at the community garden, Ballyhooley Rd, Cork.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said: “At 6.10pm, Garda Michael Mortell was on mobile patrol when a call was received about drug use at the community garden. He [O’Sullivan] was drinking from a bottle of wine.

“He was searched, and during the search a Swiss Army knife was found on his person.

“He was intoxicated and abusive. He was unsteady on his feet and as he was resisting arrest, Gda Mortell and the defendant fell to the ground.

“The man was resisting arrest and lay on his stomach with both hands under his stomach. While attempting to release the man’s arms, he bit down on Gda Mortell’s right hand, causing it to swell.”

In a further incident on December 7 last, he was found to be intoxicated and a danger at Paul St, Cork.

Most recently, on January 10 this year, he was intoxicated at Gurranabraher Rd.

He pleaded guilty to the intoxication charges, and in respect of the most serious incident in July 2022 he admitted resisting/wilfully obstructing a peace officer acting in the execution of his duty.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, described how the accused tended to keep to himself and would typically cycle out the Lee Road and do some casual work with mechanics from time to time.

Judge Dorgan imposed a total sentence of four months’ imprisonment on the accused.