Judge says Cork accused must understand he 'cannot walk around with knives'

An intoxicated man carrying a knife during a public order incident last month was told by a sentencing judge that the weapon charge was an immense concern.

Judge David Waters told 33-year-old Andrew Bhandarkar that on this occasion at Cork District Court, he would impose a four-month suspended sentence.

“But it is of immense concern, finding a knife in circumstancs where, let us say, it was concerning. He needs to understand he cannot walk around with knives,” Judge Waters said.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said at around 2.30am on September 7 at Brook Glen Manor Farm, Lehenaghmore, there was a report of an intoxicated man in possession of a knife.

“Garda Niall McGrath attended the scene and found Andrew Bhandarkar in a highly intoxicated state. Mr Bhandarkar was unsteady on his feet and had a strong smell of alcohol.

“On trying to arrest Mr Bhandarkar he became threatening and aggressive and had to be handcuffed. A kitchen knife was later found at the location and identified by a witness as the knife Mr Bhandarkar had in his possession when he arrived in the area. The knife was not used to threaten anyone and was just in his possession,” Sgt Davis said.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said: “He is on medication and like many other people before him, and presumably after him, when he was feeling well he decided to not to keep taking his medication.

“And to make matters worse, he took illicit substances which tend to have a triggering effect and this bizarre behaviour occurs.”