Hatchet-wielding man handed suspended sentence by Cork court

A man who brandished an axe at the family home as he threatened gardaí that he would take their heads off if they came upstairs was yesterday given a three-month suspended sentence.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said that matters had stabilised substantially since this incident occurred in July 2025, and that 31-year-old Stephen Murphy, of 143 Farranferris Avenue, Farranree, was now doing much better.

Garda David Kiely charged the defendant with resisting Garda Paraic White; threatening to kill or cause serious harm to gardaí; and producing, in a manner likely to intimidate another person, an article capable of causing serious injury — namely a hatchet.

Sergeant John Dineen said the case against Murphy could be dealt with at Cork District Court level.

JURISDICTION

Judge Mary Dorgan agreed to accept jurisdiction, but added that she would only do so on a plea of guilty being entered by the defendant.

Mr Buttimer confirmed the guilty plea to all charges.

Sgt Dineen said gardaí were at the defendant’s house on July 16, 2025.

“Gardaí entered the residence with permission, and were met with Stephen Murphy ... brandishing an axe and threatening gardaí,” Sgt Dineen said. “He waved the axe towards gardaí and stated: ‘Come up here and I’ll take your head off.’ A stand-off continued until ... the accused surrendered to gardaí.”