Man who went drinking in car park of Cork's main Garda station and made threat avoids jail after turning life around

A 40-year-old man went drinking in the car park of Cork’s main garda station and followed this with a visit to the Bridewell where he caused damage to a window and threatened to kill a garda.

Judge Philip O’Leary said: “This is a serious matter”, but he imposed a total jail term of five months which he suspended in light of the changes in the defendant’s life since these events two years ago.

Eddie Burke solicitor agreed that it was a serious matter but he pointed to the extraordinary turnaround in the life of Piotr Kowalczyk of no fixed address, and living at temporary accommodation at Western Road, Cork.

He said that Mr Kowalczyk had a serious alcohol problem at the time of these offences but since went to Bruree treatment centre in Limerick. After six months in Bruree, his rehabilitation was so successful that he ended up being offered employment within the treatment centre.

Mr Burke said that Mr Kowalczyk had such a dramatic turnaround in his life that he is like a different person.

Inspector James Hallahan outlined the background to the incidents that brought the accused before the court.

“On June 19 2023 at 12.45 Piotr Kowalczyk was in the carpark of Anglesea Street garda station drinking a can of beer.

“When approached by gardaí, he acted in an erratic manner that was likely to cause fear. He screeched at people sitting on a bench at the back of the station.

“On the same date at 2pm he walked to a window at the front of Bridewell garda station and tried to rip a reflective sticker that darkens the window. He then entered the public office demanding to speak to a sergeant and again acted in an erratic manner.

“Garda Barry O’Shea found that Piotr Kowalczyk was drunk and a danger. He left the public office and peeled off the sicker causing €200 damage,” Inspector Hallahan said.

At the height of the incident, the defendant said: “If you touch me I will kill you.” 

Later when arrested, his reply was, “I’m sorry.” 

He pleaded guilty to charges that included obstructing Garda Barry, damaging the Bridewell and being drunk and a danger and engaging in threatening behaviour that day.