‘F*** off’ - Limerick woman in court for abusing and threatening gardai while intoxicated

A PROBATION report is to be prepared in the case of a Limerick woman who abused and threatened a number of gardaí while intoxicated in public.

Olivia Battles, aged 27, of Castlemungret, Limerick city, appeared before Limerick District Court charged with public order offences, intoxication and being threatening and abusive. 

Garda Sergeant Denis Waters told the court that on February 2, 2023, Ms Battles was observed whilst "extremely intoxicated” at Colbert Station.

Gardaí subsequently arrested her “for her own safety”, at which point she became abusive.

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Members of the public watched on as Ms Battles attempted to kick one garda but failed to make contact. The abusive behaviour continued when she was brought to Henry Street garda station.

On January 21, 2023, Ms Battles was similarly observed whilst intoxicated on Lord Edward Street, close to the city centre.

The court heard the accused’s speech was slurred and that she told one member of An Garda Síochána to “f*** off”. She was subsequently arrested for her own safety.

A similar public order offence also occurred in Castlemungret on May 6 of the same year while another incident occurred at University Hospital Limerick on September 17.

On the date in question, Ms Battles expressed mental health concerns. While intoxicated, she went to the hospital looking to get an assessment.

However, after being told she would have to wait seven hours, she became aggressive and was subsequently arrested.

In another incident, Ms Battles was arrested after a disturbance at Phoenix Lodge, Sarsfield Park.

Sgt Waters said staff at the homeless shelter alerted gardaí after Ms Battles was requested to leave the centre but refused.

When gardaí arrived at the scene, the accused was unsteady on her feet and became abusive and threatening towards them. She was subsequently evicted from the centre.

Ms Battles has four previous convictions, all of which are for public order offences.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the accused, said her client accepts that she must go back to the hospital for an assessment. She added that her client’s “difficulties go way back”.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican ordered that a probation report be prepared. Ms Battles was remanded on bail to appear again before Limerick District Court on December 12.