A man who spat at a couple walking through Cork City said he was baptising them, and yesterday the judge said he needed care rather than custody, writes Liam Heylin.

Anthony Cummins, Main St, Ballinspittle, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting the couple on September 28, 2015.

The case was adjourned yesterday for sentencing and to allow time for reports on the accused.

Judge Leo Malone said he would not jail the defendant who he said needed care rather than custody.

However, he said that the assaults were frightening and that Cummins could not repeat such behaviour.

“Obviously, society has to be protected as well,” Judge Malone said.

Diarmuid Kelleher, for Cummins, said he had a mental illness for which he was now taking medication.

“He is back playing guitar. He is at his best for as long as I know him,” he said.

Insp Gary McPolin said previously that the injured parties told gardaí they were minding their own business when they were approached by Cummins.

He shouted insults and abuse at the woman and spat at her. Cummins said he was spitting at her to baptise her. He kicked her in the stomach. He also spat at the man.

The judge imposed two €300 fines on Cummins, who is aged around 40, for the assaults, and €100 for being drunk and a source of danger.

This story first appeared in the Irish Examiner.