Father fled home in fear of his intoxicated son, Cork court hears

A 71-year-old man had to flee his home in fear when his adult son returned in an intoxicated and aggressive state and now the culprit has been ordered to served 10 months in prison.

State solicitor Frank Nyhan said at Cork Circuit Appeals Court that the appeal related to sentencing of the 34-year-old for two breaches of the Domestic Violence Act and several counts of theft — mainly of alcohol from shops in his locality.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the appellant’s 71-year-old father has a safety order against his son requiring him not to put him in fear.

However, on August 23, 2024, after 9pm the appellant arrived at his father’s house and put him in fear. He was intoxicated and aggressive and his father had to flee his own home for his own safety.

There was an incident of a similar nature at 1.30am on November 28, 2024, when the appellant again turned up at the house acting aggressively and under the influence of intoxicants.

“The 71-year-old was afraid of his son and fled the house. He had broken the side window of the house,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Because he was on bail for the first incident when he committed the second, the two 10-month sentences imposed at Cork District Court were consecutive.

Barrister Orla Meere appealed the severity of the overall sentence of 20 months which also covered several shoplifting offences, where the young man was convicted of stealing wine and vodka from local shops.

Ms Meere said: “He has a serious issue with alcohol addiction. But he is displaying insight into his offending. He accepts that the sentence is justified. He is receiving help in prison and he is keen to continue with his rehabilitation on his release from prison through Cork Alliance.

“He is set to do an alternatives to violence course and a parenting course. He knows his offending has to be marked but he is looking for some light at the end of the tunnel in the near future.”

Judge Sinead Behan said: “What about your poor dad? This man has been in fear of you.”

The 34-year-old said, “I am really and truly remorseful. He accepts my apology. He knows that is not who I am if I am in my own senses.”

Judge Behan said: “This is an alarming litany of offences to come before me. A man of 71 years of age is in fear of his son. He had to leave the house. And it happened twice.

“He has various substance abuse and mental health issues. He seems to have motivation, I accept that. It is all very good to have motivation but he needs to address his alcohol problems.”

The judge said that he could serve one 10-month sentence and the second sentence of 10 months would be suspended from the time of his release on condition that he would stay away from his father, go into residential treatment, and abide by the directions of Cork Alliance and the probation service.