Sixteen people have been released on bail on the condition they stay out of Cork city centre after they were each charged following a serious public order incident in the city on Sunday night.

The 13 men and three women, all in their 20s, including sets of siblings, and all with addresses in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Dublin, were all charged with a range of public order offences after a series of linked disturbances in the city centre on Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning, during which gardaí had to use pepper spray and two gardaí were injured.

As well as the public order charges, one man faces an additional assault charge under Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against The Person Act 1997, while two others face additional misuse of drugs charges.

Sgt Gearóid Davis said Garda investigations are ongoing, and in each case files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in respect of other matters and further more serious charges may follow.

The 16 arrested during the incidents were brought before Cork District Court on Monday where evidence of arrest, charge and caution was presented to Judge John King by certificate. They are:

Godson Ikebundu, 22, of 36 Bruach Na Sionna, Castleconnell, Co Limerick, who is charged with two public order offences on Oliver Plunkett St, and with one Section 2 assault;

Emmanuel Anabo, 25, of 1A Alden, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas, Cork, who is charged with three public order offences, and one charge under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act;

and Maureen Aigbera, 20, of 8 Hazelwood, Riverstown, Cork, who is charged with three offences under the public order act arising out of alleged offences on St Patrick’s St, and with one offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Also charged with a range of public order offences only were Martin Ekhosnehi, 22, of 6 Willow Gardens, Brooklodge, Glanmire, Cork, arising out of alleged incidents on the Grand Parade, Matthew Ekhosnehi, 23, of the same address, arising out of alleged incidents on Cornmarket St, and Marvin Ekhosnehi, 20, of the same address, arising out of alleged incidents on Oliver Plunkett St.

Also charged with a range of public order incidents were Checkwuebka Ian Akaboga, 22, of 7 Inish Fall, Bandon, Co Cork, Dylan Mdangoh Nchantea, 27, of 8 Larchfield, Bridgemount, Carrigaline, arising out of alleged incidents on Oliver Plunkett St, while Malcolm Oshe, 22, of 5 Brooklodge Drive, Glanmire, Co Cork, is charged with three public order offences arising out of alleged incidents on Daunt Square.

Melanie Oshe, 20, also of 5 Brooklodge Drive, Glanmire, Co Cork, was charged with two public order charges arising out of alleged incidents on Oliver Plunkett St; Farshid Murphy Lahadjo, 23, of 32 Oakfield View, Glanmire, Co Cork, is charged with three public order offences on Oliver Plunkett St, Djomiou Lahadjo, 21, of the same address, is charged with three public order offences at the same location. 

Emmanuella Itsede, 22, of 44 Lios Rua, Cahermoneen, Tralee, Co Kerry, is charged with two public order offences on Prince’s St; Kamji Gotwen, 20, of Apartment 27, Fresh Student Living, Brickfield Lane in Dublin 8, is charged with three public order offences on Prince’s St; Chimbi Oji, 23, of Grangewood Court, Grange, Cork, is charged with three public order offences, while Kanjisola Akintope, 23, of 24 Elm Vale, Wilton, Cork, is charged with two public order offences on Prince’s St.

Bail

Sgt Davis said gardaí had no objection to bail on condition that they all agreed to stay out of Cork city centre except for legal appointments or for pre-arranged medical appointments. 

That condition was amended for one of the accused to facilitate his work in a retail outlet in the city centre. Judge King also agreed to assign free legal aid to each of the accused.

All were then released on bail on their own sureties, which ranged from €300 to €400, to appear before Cork District Court again on October 8.

The Events Leading Up To the Arrests

Gardaí say that the incidents began on Sunday night when officers on patrol on Oliver Plunkett Street observed an injured man lying on the ground outside a premises. As Gardaí were providing assistance to the man, a large group of people gathered on the street and became verbally and physically aggressive towards officers.

Those present refused to leave the area and a number of additional Garda units were called to the scene to provide assistance. Incapacitant spray was used as part of an escalated response to the increasingly aggressive public order incidents.

One Garda member was pushed to the ground and another member was punched in the face during the incident. Neither member required medical attention and remained on duty.

Shortly after midnight near Daunt Square, a number of people gathered in the area and again were verbally and physically aggressive towards Gardaí. Sixteen people were arrested in connection with these incidents.

The incidents involved a number of people gathering on the streets and becoming verbally and physically aggressive towards gardaí. One garda was pushed to the ground and another was punched in the face, though neither required medical attention and remained on duty. Gardaí responded by using incapacitant spray to disperse the crowds.

The 16 people arrested are due to appear before Cork District Court again on October 8. The incidents highlight the challenges gardaí face in dealing with public order incidents, particularly when large crowds become aggressive and violent. The use of incapacitant spray is a controversial tactic, but it can be necessary to restore order and protect the safety of gardaí and members of the public.

A Reminder of the Importance of Respect for the Law

The incidents in Cork serve as a reminder of the importance of respect for the law. It is crucial that members of the public conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner, particularly when interacting with gardaí. Violence and aggression are never acceptable and can have serious consequences.

Public Order Incidents in Ireland

Public order incidents are a growing concern in Ireland. These incidents can range from minor disturbances to serious violence and can have a significant impact on public safety and community well-being. Gardaí are working to address this issue through a variety of strategies, including increased patrols, community engagement, and the use of appropriate force when necessary.

It is important to note that the incidents in Cork are just one example of the challenges that gardaí face in dealing with public order incidents. These incidents can be complex and require a careful and measured response. The use of force is always a last resort and should only be employed when necessary to protect the safety of gardaí and members of the public.