A KINSALE man who shouted verbal abuse at gardaí in Kinsale on New Year’s Eve told one garda member that he knew where he lived and would come and burn his house down, a court heard.

AJ Walsh (34) of 8 Sean Hales Terrace, Kinsale pleaded guilty at Bandon District Court to being drunk in a public place and using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. 

Sgt Eimear O’Connell told the court that at 9.40pm on December 31st last Gda Padraig Walsh was on patrol in Kinsale when the accused passed the patrol car and shouted: ‘fuck the gardaí, fucking rapists.’

‘There were dozens of people in the vicinity as this was New Year’s Eve. When Gda Walsh approached Mr Walsh he began calling him names and he arrested him on Pearse Street at 8.45pm,’ said Sgt O’Connell.

‘He continued shouting expletives at Gda Walsh and while en route to Bandon Garda Station he said he knew where Gda Walsh lives and was going to blow up his house and kill all his family.’

Sgt O’Connell said his abusive behaviour continued at the garda station.

The court heard he has 21 previous convictions including four for being drunk in a public place and seven for using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Solicitor Margaret Collins said her client has Asperger’s syndrome and for the most part he is fine except when he drinks.

‘He can’t control what he says,’ said Ms Collins.

Judge Carroll asked if Mr Walsh wanted all ‘hell to break loose in Kinsale on New Year’s Eve’ as gardaí feared for their families.

Ms Collins said he is not being able to behave in a proper manner when drunk and he knows his behaviour is not acceptable.

She added that he left school at the age of 14 and doesn’t read or write but is hoping to attend a college in Kinsale to study computers and cooking.

‘He’s not a bad young fellow. His mum died tragically as did his sister.'

Judge Carroll said he doesn’t really have a disability and that Asperger’s just requires management.

‘He ruined New Year’s Eve for a lot of people,’ she remarked.

The judge also asked where was the apology for Gda Walsh and Ms Collin said her client apologises for his behaviour.

The accused told Judge Carroll that what he said was due to his intoxication and that he doesn’t know where Gda Walsh lives.

Judge Carroll directed him to carry out 60 hours of community service in lieu of three months of prison on the more serious public order charge while she took into consideration the drunk in public charge.

‘People don’t need to be hearing gardaí being called rapists. The only way you can truly make amends is to behave,’ said Judge Carroll.