Man (48) charged with assaulting Garda spat at table in court

Olivia Kelleher

A 48-year-old man who is accused of spitting at a Garda on patrol in Cork loudly cleared his throat and spat at the table and glass in front of him when he was charged at the district court in the city on Tuesday.

Owen Wilson of Cornerstone Day Centre, Denmark Road, Manchester, in the UK is charged with assault and threatening behaviour towards a Garda.

It is alleged that Wilson assaulted the Garda via spitting at Anglesea Street in Cork city on Monday.

Judge David Waters said that he had witnessed Wilson spitting when he was brought into the dock for the hearing of his case this afternoon.

“I have just seen him come into court, sit down and immediately spit at the table in front of him.”

Wilson frequently interrupted the Judge and the Sergeant in the course of the short hearing. He variously yelled that he was homeless and in dire physical pain.

He also shouted “blah, blah, blah, you are talking rubbish.”

There was no Garda objection to bail being granted in the case. However, the Judge noted the presentation of Wilson in court.

He said that he couldn’t rely on Wilson being in a position to give the undertakings needed for a release on bail.

“I don’t think this man is capable of understanding the terms of any bond… it appears to me it is doubtful he can understand the nature and consequence of his actions.”

Judge Waters remanded Wilson in custody to appear before the court again on Friday.