A man who first sought permission to go on to a property to cut down neighbouring trees ended up threatening to “box the face off” the householder and now he has been jailed for four months for other offences.
Jerry O’Sullivan, aged 42, of 7 Hazelwood Grove, Kinsale Rd, Cork, pleaded guilty to charges arising out of a number of incidents.
Sergeant Gearóid Davis said that on June 24, 2022, the accused asked for permission to go on to a man’s property to facilitate the cutting of trees at a neighbouring property on Coach Hill, Rochestown, Cork.
The householder asked if he had insurance and, after a brief verbal exchange, Jerry O’Sullivan said he would box his face off.
O’Sullivan pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening or abusive words or behaviour on the occasion. He also admitted trespassing on the curtilage of a building in a manner likely to cause fear in another person. Sentencing in that particular case was adjourned until September 15 to allow time for the preparation of a victim impact statement.
Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a two-month jail term on him for a more recent offence where he was threatening and abusive to gardaí at Friars Rd, Ballyphehane, Cork.
Sgt Gearóid Davis said that at the height of the incident he said to Garda Shane O’Riordan “I will make it difficult” and he was grinding his teeth.
Gardaí went to the area following a report that he was acting suspiciously, going door to door to elderly homeowners offering maintenance services.
He was also given four months imprisonment for driving off without paying for petrol at Maxol service station in Wilton.
Finally, he was given 75 hours of community service for obstructing Garda Kate Sheehan at Old Youghal Rd, Cork, on January 11.