An Algerian national has appeared in court charged with an assault on a woman in Cork city centre early on Saturday morning, writes Olivia Kelleher.
Mr Boualem Serrar (40), of no fixed abode, was charged with assault causing harm and engaging in threatening, abusing and insulting behaviour towards the woman in Kyle Street. Det Garda David O'Callaghan gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning the defendant, who replied: "I did nothing, I was drunk" and "Where is the girl, if I assaulted her?"
Supt Michael Finn applied for Mr Serrar to be remanded in custody as he wasn't positive the defendant had provided his correct name. Mr Serrar was detained in custody until his next appearance at Cork District Court on December 27th.
Mr John English (25), Ardbhaile, Mayfield, Cork, was charged with assault causing harm and falsely imprisoning a woman in the lavatory of McDonald's restaurant in Daunt Square last Monday. He was also charged with assault and falsely imprisoning another woman in the toilet of Clancy's Bar, Marlborough Street, on December 16th. Mr English was remanded in custody to reappear before Cork District Court next Friday.
Vandals wreck CCTV unit
A mobile CCTV unit due to be used by gardaí in Waterford to police likely trouble spots during the Christmas holidays had to be returned to Dublin for repairs after being damaged by vandals at the weekend.
In all, 22 arrests were made in Waterford city centre between Friday night and Saturday morning, two of which were linked directly to the attack on the CCTV unit that saw vandals mounting the roof and kicking the cameras to pieces.
The Garda confirmed yesterday the unit had been badly damaged. Mr John Halligan, a Workers' Party city councillor, said Saturday morning's street violence and the damage to the CCTV unit showed the extent of anti-social behaviour in Waterford. It reinforced the case for a fixed camera CCTV system to be introduced in the city centre and some housing estates.
Missing people sought in Cork
The mother of a missing Cork teenager has issued an appeal to her son to come home for Christmas. Joseph Butler (15), Lotabeg Lawn, Mayfield, has not been seen since December 6th.
In the hours prior to his disappearance he was wearing black trousers and a jumper emblazoned with a picture of Christ. He phoned his mother, Ms Geraldine Butler, on December 11th but she has not heard from him since. She said: "We are out of our minds with worry. We want to know he is safe. Whatever the problem is we can work it out." The youth is 5 ft 6 in, of thin build with shoulder-length hair. He has a pale complexion and light-coloured eyes.
Gardaí are also appealing for information about a taxi-driver, Mr Tim O'Connell (42), Clarke's Road, Ballyphehane, Cork, who was last seen leaving his house on December 17th. The missing man is 5 ft 3 in, of stocky build, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a dark tracksuit. Mr O'Connell left the house in his wine Toyota Carina car, registration number 95C 462. Anyone with information should contact gardaí in Togher, Cork, phone 021 4962611.