Three Cork brothers avoid jail term for their part in violent disorder

THREE brothers from Cloyne were given suspended two-year sentences for their part in an incident of violent disorder at Rock St in the town in October 2022.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy imposed similar sentences on twins Conor and Noel Cahill, aged 21, of Túr Chluana, Cloyne, and on their brother, Ian Cahill, aged 27, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Dunphy said it was a violent disorder incident that started at The Rock Bar when Ian Cahill attempted to headbutt a member of staff, sparking chaotic scenes inside and outside the premises.

“This was a night marked by violence, where there were injuries to parties and damage to property,” Judge Dunphy said as he summarised the incident.

“Ian Cahill was the primary aggressor, attempting to headbutt the security guard. He was the main instigator. Noel Cahill became physically aggressive to a member of security staff and shouted threats and chased another guard on the street.

“Conor Cahill tried to assault Sergeant Brian Larkin with a punch in the head — a blind-sided punch.”

A fourth man, Justin Oke, aged 20, of Cluain Cairn, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, was described as being the least involved of the four in the violent disorder. He struck a member of bar staff and later chased this person down the street, contributing to the overall chaos, Judge Dunphy said.

The judge noted from the evidence in mitigation that the defendants co-operated with the investigation, expressed their apologies for their behaviour, and had good background circumstances. The main charge against each of them was one of engaging with others in a violent disorder.

While the three brothers each got a two-year suspended sentence for their parts in the violent disorder, Justin Oke was given a one-year suspended sentence.