Evidence to be served on Cork man accused of assaulting American tourist

A 22-year-old American woman visiting Cork was punched once by a young man who accosted her in the city centre, it was alleged at Cork District Court, where the judge accepted that it was a suitable case for that court.

Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had decided that it was a suitable case for summary jurisdiction. Judge Miriam Walsh agreed when an outline of the background to the matter was given in court.

It was alleged that just after midnight on the morning of Tuesday, September 30, the incident occurred at Half Moon St in Cork, and that the 22-year-old visitor had only arrived recently in Cork.

The allegation was that she was approached by a young man who punched her once with his right hand, connecting with the left side of her body. The injured party managed to record a portion of the incident on her mobile phone.

Michael O’Sullivan, aged 20, of No 1 Monastery Close, Monastery Hill, Blarney St, Cork, was charged with counts including assault of the young woman.

It was alleged that, following his arrest, a knife was found in his front trousers pocket.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, asked for a precis of the prosecution’s evidence to be sent to the defence.

Judge Miriam Walsh adjourned the case until July 9 when the accused will have an opportunity to indicate if he is pleading guilty or not guilty to the charges against him.