Bail for man who admitted wanting to stab someone as he carried knives into Cork garda station

A 48-year-old man who pleaded guilty to carrying three knives into the Bridewell garda station saying that he was going to stab someone on St. Patrick’s Street in Cork was released from custody as the judge directed preparation of psychiatric and probation reports ahead of sentencing.

The accused man had no previous convictions of any kind before this unusual incident occurred. Finbarr O’Connell of 11 Sunview, Fair Hill, Cork, was released from custody on condition that he would live at his mother’s home at Hollymount, Blarney Road, attend psychiatric services and take all prescribed medication.

Judge Valerie Corcoran said in respect of the probation report that there should be particular emphasis on re-offending. The judge also directed that he abstain from all intoxicants and illegal substances.

Judge Corcoran said she had grave concerns about evidence that the defendant was arrested in possession of two knives but released with a doctor’s note to attend voluntarily at the psychiatric unit of a hospital. 

The judge expressed particular concerns as the same man presented himself at the Bridewell garda station less than 24 hours later in possession of three knives and threatening to use them.

Sergeant John Dineen said there was an extremely high threshold for doctors to direct the involuntary admission of a person for psychiatric attention. Judge Corcoran said: “There is no criticism of An Garda Síochána whatsoever but this is very concerning.” 

Garda Wayne McGrath previously testified when the matter first came before court: “Gardaí have serious concerns that the accused poses a threat to the personal safety of members of the community. He has stated that he wants to stab and harm people. And he has been found to be in possession of knives.“

It is alleged that at approximately 4.35am on December 15, 2025, the accused entered the public office of the Bridewell Garda Station in possession of a knife which he was concealing up his right sleeve.

“Multiple directions were given to the accused to place any weapons he had on his person onto the ground. He failed to do so. Urgent assistance was sought from the Armed Support Unit to attend the public office of the Garda station.

“The accused repeatedly stated that he wanted to kill someone and he was intending on stabbing someone on St Patricks Street.” 

At that original hearing Mr Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendant had no intention of harming anyone and that the only person who might have been harmed was himself. The solicitor described the defendant as a quiet and vulnerable person.

His case was adjourned until March 3 at Cork District Court.