Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 20915Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour · Co. Limerick · 12 Aug 2022

Abbeyfeale man pleads guilty to abusive behaviour during fight

John McKenna, 37, of Cois na Feile, Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, was involved in a fight with a number of people, including minors, at Cois na Feile, Clash Road, Abbeyfeale, on 12 August 2022, to which gardaí responded. Adult and juvenile cautions were issued after the incident. McKenna pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Newcastle West Court, as reported on 27 May 2023, where the prosecution said he had previous convictions including for violent disorder and robbery. The latest development is that Judge Carol Anne Coolican asked the Probation Service to prepare a report on his suitability for community service, and no sentence has been reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted27 May
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A fight took place at Cois na Feile, Clash Road, Abbeyfeale, with a number of people present, including minors.
Where
Gardaí responded to the fight at Cois na Feile, Clash Road, Abbeyfeale, County Limerick.
When
The offence was committed on 12 August 2022.
Cause
The defence said the accused had worked a night shift and had a lack of sleep.
Other details
  • The prosecution said words were exchanged and the accused chose to get involved.
  • The defence said the accused gave as much abuse as he received.
Investigation
Adult and juvenile cautions were issued after the fight.
Charges
John McKenna, 37, of Cois na Feile, Abbeyfeale, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.
In court
  • The guilty plea was heard at Newcastle West Court and reported on 27 May 2023.
  • The prosecution said the accused had previous convictions, including for violent disorder and robbery, and was not suitable for an adult caution.
  • Judge Carol Anne Coolican asked the Probation Service to prepare a report on Mr McKenna's suitability for community service.
Sentence
No sentence has been reported in the sources.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereGardaí responded to a fight at Cois na Feile, Clash Road, Abbeyfeale. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe offence was committed on August 12, 2022. (limerickleader.ie)
  • causeThe defence said the accused had worked a night shift and had a lack of sleep. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationAdult and juvenile cautions were issued. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeJohn McKenna pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe prosecution said the accused had previous convictions, including for violent disorder and robbery, and was not suitable for an adult caution. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtJudge Carol Anne Coolican asked the Probation Service to prepare a report on Mr McKenna's suitability for community service. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThere were a number of people present, including minors. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the accused gave as much abuse as he received. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 May2023
    Convictedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Man arrested following fight in Limerick town blamed ‘a lack of sleep’ for his actions

    Court report of the guilty plea and the judge's request for a Probation Service report; the article also gives the garda account of the fight and the cautions issued.

    convicted, John McKenna, 37, male, named, irish (judged from name)John McKenna