Man '˜threatened to kill bouncers' after getting drunk on Buckfast

A man accused of threatening to kill door staff who refused entry to a seaside bar had just ended months of abstinence by drinking a bottle and a half of Buckfast tonic wine, the High Court has heard.
Russell Cummins had drunk a bottle and a half of Buckfast before the alleged incidentRussell Cummins had drunk a bottle and a half of Buckfast before the alleged incident
Russell Cummins had drunk a bottle and a half of Buckfast before the alleged incident

Russell Cummins, 28, has no memory of allegedly calling the bouncers “IRA b*******” and throwing a bottle at them during a violent outburst on the promenade in Portstewart, Co Londonderry.

Prosecutors said police called to the scene on September 3 had to use CS spray as part of efforts to get him into custody.

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Cummins, of James Street in Coleraine, allegedly became aggressive while families were still in the area for an air show and fireworks display.

He was refused bail on charges of threats to kill, common assault, possession of an offensive weapon in public, disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

It was claimed that he shoved and verbally abused two doormen who stopped him getting into Shenanigans Bar for being too drunk.

Conor Maguire, prosecuting, claimed Cummins told the pair: “I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you.”

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The defendant then allegedly grabbed a wine bottle and threw it at them from a distance of around three metres. It missed, but struck the front door of the premises.

He was pursued before being detained by police who had to deploy CS incapacity spray, the court heard.

Cummins later told officers he had drunk a half bottle of Buckfast, followed by another full bottle, before heading to the bar.

“He confirmed he was fully intoxicated as he had not taken alcohol for a number of months,” Mr Maguire added.

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Sean O’Hare, defending, revealed his client had just been released from custody and staged a “small party”.

“He started consuming Buckfast and because he had been dry for the last number of months he had no tolerance to strong fortified wine,” the barrister said.

Mr O’Hare told the court Cummins, who is seeking to become a personal fitness trainer, remembers nothing about going to the bar he regularly frequented.

Denying bail, Mrs Justice Keegan pointed out the alleged attack happened a day after his release from prison.

She said: “I cannot be satisfied the risk could be managed.”

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