Drunk man attempted to headbutt garda at Cork hotel

Gardaí were called to the Premier Inn hotel at Morrison’s Island, Cork, where a drunk customer was no longer welcome and, when they arrived, the young man lunged at one of the gardaí, trying to headbutt him.

Yesterday, it emerged in Cork District Court that the young man in the hotel that night was due before the court the next day to face sentencing on a drug-dealing charge.

Inspector Mark Keating said that 21-year-old Ciarán Maguire of Woodbrook, Glanmire, Cork, behaved in that threatening manner at the hotel at around 10pm on December 10, 2024.

He was arrested, charged, and released. On December 11, he came to court and received a three-month suspended sentence for having drugs for sale or supply to others on an earlier occasion.

On December 10, he was aggressive to staff at the hotel and extended this to gardaí on their arrival. Insp Keating said that, while the young man lunged at a garda, he did not make contact with him.

Judge Joanne Carroll said: “He was in the Premier Inn, and he creates total upset.”

Defence solicitor Aoife Buttimer described Mr Maguire as a young man who is easily led, but that he has not taken any intoxicant since this occurred.

“He has isolated himself from associates,” Ms Buttimer said.

“He is embarrassed and has instructed me to apologise.”

Judge Carroll said: “He has used up all of his opportunities. I will remand him on bail to April 22 [for sentencing].

“A very persuasive plea would need to be put together.”