Cork man admits assaulting security guard and causing damage to property at Mercy Hospital

Richard O’Brien, of 14 Hollyhill Heights, Hollyhill, Cork, pleaded guilty to assaulting a security guard, causing criminal damage and using threatening behavior.

The incident occurred on the morning of July 21, 2023 at 9:20 a.m.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis previously explained the matter.

“Gardaí have been taken to Mercy Hospital. The staff had difficulty with a patient. On arrival, Gardaí were met at the ambulance site by security staff who advised them that a patient was in the resus area and was being aggressive and threatening towards staff.

“The patient was kept in a small room whose door was forcibly closed by security staff due to his aggressiveness. Richard O’Brien tried to escape from this room by kicking the door and running. He stretched out his arm and hit the security guard in the face.

“The door and door frame were damaged and there was blood on the floor and walls from the patient’s head wound. The victim sustained a minor injury,” Sgt Davis said.

The defendant had 38 previous convictions, ten of which were for threats, four for bodily harm and one for damage to property.

Sgt Davis indicated the attack occurred as the young man attempted to force his way out of the room where he was being held.

Lawyer Frank Buttimer described Mr O’Brien as an “involuntary hospital visitor” in relation to mental health issues.

Judge Dorgan postponed sentencing until October 18.

The same man announced his intention to plead guilty to charges of assaulting a woman, threatening to kill and making a floor sign in a threatening manner in connection with a separate incident on August 19, 2023 at the Paul Street shopping center