Woman accused of biting, hitting gardaí in Cork city

A 25-year-old woman charged with punching one garda in the nose and biting another officer’s arm appeared at Cork District Court. Teegan Lonergan of Cork Simon Community faces the assault charges.

Judge Mary Dorgan said in relation to the most serious charge of assault causing harm by biting that she would decide on the issue of jurisdiction when she had updated medical evidence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions said the case could be dealt with summarily at Cork District Court. Sergeant Liam Walsh outlined the allegations in the case for Judge Dorgan to decide if she would agree to accept jurisdiction.

Teegan Lonergan is charged with a count of assault causing harm to Detective Garda Kevin Motherway at St Luke’s Cross, Cork, on June 10, 2024, contrary to the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Gardaí were on duty that afternoon and observed Ms Teegan staggering off a footpath.

Det Garda Motherway and Det Garda Brian Holland approached. She shouted at them: “Get the f*** away from me ye c***s, ye are bastards, f*** off ye pricks.”

They arrested her and were waiting for transport to the Bridewell garda station.

Sgt Walsh said: “While waiting, she punched Det Garda Holland into the nose. He was not injured.

“While being placed in the garda personnel carrier, Teegan Lonergan bit Det Garda Motherway’s right arm and broke skin.

“He had blood tests and received a tetanus shot and has made a full recovery. He has one more assessment test to do next month – it is all clear at the moment.”

Judge Dorgan said: “I will adjourn the issue of accepting jurisdiction until March 3. I would need an update on the tests.”

As well as the charge of assault causing harm, Teegan Lonergan is charged with assaulting Det Garda Holland, engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a danger on the occasion last June.