Man who became volatile with gardaí during incident in Blarney is jailed 

A WEXFORD man who turned up in Blarney in a highly intoxicated condition became volatile with gardaí, threw a fistful of coins on the ground, and told them: “I’ll drink wherever and whenever I f***ing want”, a court has heard.

He has been jailed for two months for his behaviour on the night — in an incident that began with him making threats at the Muskerry Arms.

Brandon O’Brien, aged 27, of no fixed address, originally from Wexford, pleaded guilty to the public order charges against him.

Solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said: “When I read out the precis of the evidence to him, he was very, very apologetic, and said that was drink talking on the night. He has a history of mental health difficulties.”

Mr Kelleher said the accused was on medication and that if he mixes this with alcohol, he loses control. On the occasion in Blarney, he had been on this medication and drinking whiskey.

Judge Mary Dorgan acknowledged that, but said that the public order offending on the night was at a high level.

The defendant spoke up to extend his apologies to the guards, to the court, and to the people to whom he was threatening on the night.

Sergeant Pat Lyons outlined the background to the incident which occurred at Shean Lower, Blarney, on July 23, 2023.

“Gardaí were called to the Muskerry Arms Hotel by the manager, who stated that a man had caused a disturbance when refused entry for having too much drink consumed,” he said.

“The man was described as being about six-foot two-inches, with an athletic build.

“The man had a large pyramid ring on his hand and threatened to use it to assault staff. Shortly afterwards, gardaí were flagged down by pedestrians outside saying a man was threatening and highly intoxicated.

“The gardaí encountered him at the No 21 off-licence in Blarney.

“He gave gardaí an incorrect name and said he had no address.

“He became argumentative when asked to leave.

“He threw a handful of change on the floor. He told gardaí: ‘I’ll drink wherever and whenever I f***ing want.’

“He became volatile and tried to break free from gardaí when arrested. When placed in handcuffs, he continued to kick out at gardaí and shouted obscenities. He was spitting and had to be held down.”

Judge Dorgan imposed a total jail term of two months for offences that included engaging in threatening behaviour.