Man called gardaí because he was unhappy with pub security, Cork court told

The judge said it was totally unacceptable to call 999 just because he had a dispute with pub security staff who she said were probably right anyway. File picture: Dan Linehan
A man who called 999 and then abused gardaí when they turned up at his home was lucky to only be charged with being intoxicated in a public place, according to the presiding judge in a court in Cork.
Court presenter Sergeant Eimear O’Connell told Macroom District Court that Robert Maternik, aged 37, of Pairc na Deireachta, Masseytown, Macroom, Co Cork called gardaí at 8.40pm on the evening of October 22, 2024.
When they arrived at his home Maternik was in a highly intoxicated state “shouting and roaring” and complaining about an alleged assault at a licensed premises in Macroom. The court was told that Maternik became “irate” with attending gardaí and began filming them.
Maternik admitted he was highly intoxicated and pleaded guilty to being drunk in a public place contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
The court heard the accused had seven previous convictions including three for being drunk in public, three for threatening and abusive behaviour and one for failing to comply with the directions of a member of An Garda Síochána.
Judge Joanne Carroll said that clearly Maternik had an issue with alcohol which seemed to be the real issue. She said it was totally unacceptable to call 999 just because he had a dispute with pub security staff who she said were probably right anyway.
Maternik was convicted and placed on a probation bond for 12 months. He was also fined €200 and given five months to pay and ordered to attend alcohol addiction services.