Man kicked garda in groin following arrest in Kinsale

A Kinsale man who kicked a garda in the groin after being arrested in the early hours of New Year’s Day has been referred for a probation report.

Frank O’Sullivan (23), of Coolbone, Garrettstown, pleaded guilty at Kinsale District Court sitting in Bandon to public intoxication, threatening or abusive behaviour and assault.

The court heard Garda White and Garda Walsh were on patrol in Kinsale at 12.45am on January 1 when they saw a man push another man into the road in front of their patrol car at The Glen. 

Mr O’Sullivan was then seen walking along screaming and shouting aggressively.

He was arrested and had to be restrained on the ground. During the arrest, Garda White also fell and suffered a minor injury, the court heard.

Mr O’Sullivan was taken to Kinsale Garda Station, where he kicked Garda Walsh in the groin.

A patrol van had to be called to bring him to Bandon Garda Station because he remained highly aggressive.

The court heard he had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said his client pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, had little recollection of the night, and apologised to gardaí the following morning.

Mr Taaffe said his client had since contacted alcohol treatment services. 

Mr O’Sullivan suspected he may also have taken another intoxicant which was “being passed around” that night, though he did not remember doing so.

The court heard Mr O’Sullivan works in his family’s licensed business, had resumed taking part in sport, and wanted to apologise publicly for his behaviour.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy confirmed that Mr O’Sullivan had not come to garda attention since the incident.

Judge Joanne Carroll ordered a probation report and adjourned the case until January 21.

• Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.