Cork man threatened to ‘box’ gardaí during arrest at train station

A Cobh man being arrested at Kent railway station taunted gardaí to remove his handcuffs so that he could “box” them around the place.

This scenario was described by Sergeant Aisling Murphy at Cork District Court in the case against 32-year-old Adam McGrath, of 94, Russell Heights, Cobh, Cork.

The accused man pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in threatening behaviour, and being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others on the occasion.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said: “On February 3, gardaí received a report of an aggressive male at Kent train station, Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork.

“On arrival at scene, they observed a male being restrained in the carpark by members of security. He was also very aggressive towards gardaí.

“The male threatened to assault gardaí, saying: ‘Take these cuffs off me, and I will box you around,’” Sgt Murphy said.

“He also called gardaí pigs and useless tramps on a number of occasions. He replied ‘fuck off’ when asked to provide his personal details.

“There was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor from his breath, his speech was slurred, and he was unable to stand unaided.

“Gardaí formed the opinion that he was intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself and others in his vicinity.

“He was conveyed to Mayfield Garda Station where he was later charged.”

Solicitor Aoife Buttimer said the defendant had come to no negative attention since this incident in February.

She said that mixing drink with his medication had a negative effect.

“He has no memory of this awful incident. He is very sorry, and very embarrassed when the precis of the evidence was read to him.”

Judge Mary Dorgan fined Adam McGrath €300 for being threatening and abusive, and took the drunkenness into consideration.

“This was shocking behaviour,” Judge Dorgan said.