LAST UPDATE | 26 Aug

THIRTEEN MEN AND three women, ranging in age from 20 to 27, have appeared in court charged in connection with serious public order incidents in Cork city centre last night.

The young people appeared before Cork District Court today at a vacation sitting of the court.

Judge John King was told the alleged offences occurred yesterday evening at Oliver Plunkett Street, Daunt Square, Patrick Street, Cornmarket Street and Grand Parade.

No exact details were given as to the nature of the alleged incidents as evidence of arrest, charge and caution for all sixteen was given by certificate.

Sgt Gearoid Davis told Judge John King that further directions are awaited from the DPP in relation to all of the defendants.

Godson Ikebundu (22) of Bruach Na Sionna, Castleconnell, Co Limerick, was charged with two public order offences in Cork city centre yesterday evening. He was also charged with a Section 2 assault.

Martin Ekhosuehi (22) of Willow Gardens, Brooklodge, Glanmire, Cork faces three public order charges linked to alleged incidents in the Grand Parade in Cork last night.

Matthew Ekhosuehi (23) of the same address is charged with three public order offences in relation to his alleged involvement in incidents on Cornmarket St in Cork yesterday evening.

Marvin Ekhosuehi ( 20) again of the same address, was charged with two public order offences arising out of his alleged involvement in incidents on Oliver Plunkett St last night.

Emmanuela Anabo (25) Alden, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas, Cork is charged with using threatening or abusive language, insulting behaviour, and failure to comply with garda directions. He also faces one charge under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act charge.

Maureen Aigbera (20) of Hazelwood, Riverstown, Cork, was charged with three offences under the public order act arising out of alleged offences on St Patrick’s St. She was also charged with one offence under the Missue of Drugs Act.

Checkwuebka Ian Akaboga (22), of Inish Fall, Bandon, Co Cork, was charged with three public order offences on Oliver Plunkett St in Cork last night.

Kanyisola Akintope, (23) of Elm Vale, Wilton, Cork, was charged with two public order offences on Prince’s Street in the city last night.

Dylan Mdangoh Nchantea (27) of Larchfield, Bridgemount, Carrigaline, Co Cork was charged with three public order offences on Oliver Plunkett St last night.

Malcolm Oshe (22) of Brooklodge Drive, Glanmire, Co Cork, was charged with three public order offences, including obstruction, using threatening or abusive language, and failure to comply with a garda, on Daunt Square in Cork city yesterday evening.

Melanie Oshe, (20) of the same address, faces two public order charges arising out of alleged incidents on Oliver Plunkett Street last night.

Farid Murphy Lahadjo ( 23) of Oakfield View, Glanmire, Co Cork, was charged with three public order offences on Oliver Plunkett St last night.

Djomiou Lahadjo (21) of the same address, was also charged with three public order offences at the same location.

Emmanuella Itsede (22) of Lios Rua, Cahermoneen, Tralee, Co Kerry, was charged with two public order offences on Prince’s St in Cork last night.

Kamji Gotwen, 20, of Apartment 27, Fresh Student Living, Brickfield Lane in Dublin 8, was charged with three public order offences on Prince’s St yesterday evening.

Chimdi Oji (23) of Grangewood Court, Grange, Cork is charged with three public order offences in Cork city centre yesterday evening.

Judge King was told that the majority of the defendants worked with areas of employment including supermarkets, a sports shop and in trades. One of the defendants has just graduated from college whilst another is due to start a university course in Belfast.

Free legal aid was granted to the majority of the defendants as their income fell under the threshold. One person has to enter a statement of means to the court to ensure he is eligible for free legal aid.

Sgt Davis told the court that there was no objection to bail in the case. However, all of the defendants have to stay out of Cork city centre centre save for medical or legal appointments.

One of the defendants works in the city centre. He has been ordered to only be in the city centre during his rostered hours and to go straight home after work.

All sixteen were remanded on bail to appear before the court again on 8 October.

Meanwhile, the Garda Press Office announced the court appearance of the sixteen people in a press statement this morning. They indicated in a statement that gardai observed an injured man lying on the ground outside a premises at Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork last night.

“As Gardaí were providing aid 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 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.

“All sixteen are due to appear before Cork District Court this morning.”