‘Go back to your own country’: Man appears in court following spate of attacks in Limerick

A LIMERICK man who told another man to “go back to his own country” has appeared in court following a spate of similar incidents at a number of public locations in the city.

Colin O’Neill, aged 27, of Castletroy View, Limerick, pleaded guilty when appeared before Limerick District Court to face a number of charges arising from the incidents.

In one instance, Judge Carol Anne Coolican was told he "chased" another man across the car park of a busy shopping centre, until the victim sought refuge in a stranger's car.

The defendant was before the court charged with two counts of assault and one count of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in a public place. The incidents in question took place on August 8, 2024.

Sergeant Denis Waters said on the date in question, an incident occurred at the Parkway Shopping Centre at Dublin Road, Limerick.

While inside the premises Mr O’Neill pulled another man’s hood down whilst telling him to “go back to his own country”. While there was a physical altercation, no injuries were recorded.

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On the same date, gardai were alerted to another incident which occurred on Bloodmill Road, a short distance away from the shopping centre. Sgt Waters said it was later established that Mr O'Neill had "struck and pushed" another man stating he wanted to fight him “because he wasn’t Irish”.

The third incident, the court heard, took place at the Limerick One Shopping Centre on Childers Road, the following day - August 9, 2024.

Sgt Waters said on this occasion, the defendant had chased a “coloured man” across the car park of the shopping centre. After the man took refuge in a stranger’s car, Mr O’Neill punched and broke the window of the parked car with a closed fist.

There was no complaint from the man who was pursued but the owner of the damaged vehicle subsequently reported the incident to gardaí. He sustained a scratched eyebrow but didn’t require medical attention.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the accused, said she had seen CCTV footage of the incidents and she told the court that Sergeant Waters had “toned down” what happened.

Judge Coolican directed that victim impact statements be sought before she imposes sentence.

Separately, Mr O’Neill was also before the court charged with two counts of public disorder under Section 19 under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

The court heard that on February 24, gardaí were dealing with an incident when they were interrupted by Mr O’Neill, who was highly intoxicated. He began to use abusive and threatening language towards gardaí and they subsequently used pepper spray and handcuffs to arrest the accused.

A further incident took place on October 24 on Childers Road. Sgt Waters told the court that Mr O’Neill was stopped while driving his vehicle in the Castletroy area.

After stopping, the court heard that Mr O’Neill got out of the car and tried to run away from gardaí. After being apprehended a short time later, he became aggressive and tried to enter his home. He was subsequently arrested and charged with public disorder.

All matters related to Mr O’Neill were adjourned until December 4.