Drunk ‘victim’ a risk to herself arrested in Macroom

A woman who called gardaí claiming she had been assaulted was arrested herself for being intoxicated in public, Macroom District Court was told.

Court presenter Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan said gardaí in Macroom received a call on March 1, 2025, about an alleged assault at an address at Ardancrushy, Clondrohid, Macroom, Co Cork.

When they arrived at the scene at 10.30pm, a woman — identified as 35-year-old Rachel Price, of Tara Crea, Dooradoyle, Co Limerick — was walking along the public road in a highly intoxicated state.

No evidence could be found of any alleged assault and gardaí formed the opinion that Price was intoxicated to such an extent that she was a danger to herself and to others. There was no footpath. She was arrested for being intoxicated in public, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 and taken to Macroom Garda Station.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said Price, who had four previous convictions, had alcohol-related issues.

He said she had previously been in residential treatment, had not drunk alcohol since the incident, and was working in a clothing store in Limerick.

The court was told that on the evening in question, Price was visiting a friend she had met in treatment. Judge Joanne Carroll convicted and fined Price €200, which was paid in court.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme