Man told garda to come out and check squad car 'packed with drugs'

Gardaí were verbally abused by a 49-year-old man who arrived in the public office of Cork’s garda headquarters and told gardaí on duty that they would be fired if they didn’t come outside and investigate a car packed with drugs.

49-year-old James O’Donovan of 71 Eltin’s Wood, Kinsale, appeared at Cork District Court today where he pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour, being intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger, getting into a garda patrol car and handling a stolen bank card.

Sergeant John Dineen said that in the early hours of Tuesday December 2 2025, James O’Donovan entered the public office of Angleasea garda station in a highly aggressive and abusive manner.

“He demanded gardaí go outside immediately or they would be fired.

“He was shouting about a car outside that was full of drugs. Garda Paraic O’Connor followed him outside to establish what was wrong.

“The man continued to be verbally abusive outside. There was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor from his breath.

“He approached a parked garda vehicle and opened the door. On further inspection, it was evident that he had been in the car earlier. He was found with a bank card that was not in his name.

“He was conveyed to Bridewell garda station and charged,” Sgt Dineen said.

Clodagh O’Gorman, solicitor, said: “He wishes to apologise to the gardaí. He had a serious alcohol addiction at the time. He has taken significant steps since this and undertaken residential treatment for one month. He has attended counselling since. He is in full-time employment and has done his utmost to rebuild his life.” 

Judge David Waters said he would not impose a custodial sentence, although he said the charges of getting into the garda patrol car and possession of a stolen bank card were more serious. Instead, the judge said he would impose an order on Mr O’Donovan requiring him to do a total of 100 hours of community service.