Pickaxe allegedly swung at garda 'narrowly missing his head' during incident in Cork

A garda was threatened that he would be beheaded as a pickaxe was swung at him, narrowly missing his head, a court has heard.

The allegations were made by Sergeant Michael O’Brien in an objection to bail being granted to 34-year-old Dean Osterloo of 23 Mill Park, Old Mallow Rd, Cork.

Sergeant Dave Delea submitted also:

“It was a very serious matter that could have resulted in very serious injury or even fatality. The State’s application is for a remand in custody.”

During his application for bail, defence solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said the objection was based on garda concerns about further offences being committed if the accused man was granted bail. However, Mr Kelleher argued that Mr Osterloo had never been convicted of ever committing an offence while on bail.

Judge Philip O’Leary said the State had two difficulties in their objection to bail. One was the presumption of innocence and the second was the presumption in respect of bail.

Judge O’Leary granted bail and adjourned the case until October 22 to allow time for directions to be obtained from the DPP.

Sgt O’Brien testified in relation to the alleged background to the charges: “At 7pm on September 23, gardaí went to Mill Park, Old Mallow Rd and observed Dean Osterloo in an intoxicated and aggressive state.

“On seeing the gardaí, Dean Osterloo was observed entering 23 Mill Park, where he returned shortly thereafter in possession of a pickaxe. He entered the public area. He approached Garda Denis McCarthy, verbally threatening to cut his head ‘clean off him’.

“He swung the pickaxe at Gda McCarthy, narrowly missing his head. He continued to launch towards gardaí. He was only arrested after the use of pepper spray was deployed. The pickaxe was seized by gardaí.”

Mr Osterloo is charged with being drunk and a danger, engaging in threatening behaviour, production of a weapon — namely the pickaxe — and assaulting a police officer.