‘Obnoxious’ Limerick man told garda he would ‘box’ him

A GARDA described a defendant as “one of the most obnoxious, aggressive and arrogant” people he had encountered in at least five or six years.

Thomas Burke, aged 42, of Sycamore Drive, Bruff pleaded guilty at Kilmallock Court to threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and intoxication.

Garda Pat Ahern said he responded to a public order incident at Sycamore Drive, Bruff on October 29, 2022.

“I saw a man in the green area - he was clearly intoxicated. He was not steady on his feet. He was creating such a racket that I asked him on numerous occasions to leave the area. He refused to do so,” said Garda Ahern, who proceeded to arrest Mr Burke.

Garda Ahern told the court that Mr Burke said: “Come here you c***, I’ll box the head off you.”

The garda said on the three minute drive to the garda station the verbal abuse continued and Mr Burke attempted to get out of the car.

“He said he would ‘knock me out given half a chance’,” said Garda Ahern.

The garda said when they arrived at Bruff garda station Mr Burke refused to hand over his cigarettes and “lit up” in the cell.

“He refused to put it out. He said, ‘Come try and get them off me’. He said he would ‘box the head off me if you were on your own’,” said Garda Ahern.

The Bruff-based garda told Judge Marie Keane the accused was “one of the most obnoxious, aggressive and arrogant” people he had encountered in at least five or six years.

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Kevin Power, solicitor for Mr Burke, said his client is a 42-year-old man and has a good job. “He is a fitter / welder by trade. He works up in Dublin. He comes home the odd weekend. He had consumed a lot of alcohol. He has no recollection of events. He has pleaded at the first opportunity. He instructs me to apologise,” said Mr Power.

Judge Keane asked Garda Ahern if Mr Burke had apologised before today? “No,” said Garda Ahern.

Judge Keane asked Garda Ahern if Mr Burke was “catatonic” on the night. The judge said this was the only reason somebody could forget “a series of events”.

Garda Ahern said Mr Burke was not catatonic and he found it “impossible to believe” Mr Burke had no recollection of events.

Judge Keane put the case back to a second calling.

“How dare you come in here and try and hoodwink the court. I hope you have your toothbrush,” said Judge Keane to Mr Burke.

At the end of the court sitting, Mr Power said Mr Burke had consumed a lot of alcohol on the date in question. The solicitor said his client was in a very bad accident 20 years in which he suffered a very serious head injury.

“I would respectfully say the garda is not entitled to comment on whether he was catatonic or not,” said Mr Power.

Judge Keane asked Mr Burke to apologise to Garda Ahern in the witness box.

“I was completely out of order. I would like to apologise to An Garda Siochana and especially Garda Ahern and to everyone else involved,” said Mr Burke.

Judge Keane fined Mr Burke €500 for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and took the intoxication offence into consideration. “That kind of conduct will not be tolerated. Thank you,” said Judge Keane.