Thursday 29 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. 11744Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place · Co. Offaly

Clara man charged over middle finger gesture at Garda car

A Clara man was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour in a public place on Ballycumber Road, Clara, after he raised his middle finger at a passing Garda car. Judge Andrew Cody ordered him to donate €500 to St Vincent de Paul and struck the case out.

  1. Reported
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man from Clara raised his middle finger at a passing Garda car. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place on Ballycumber Road, Clara. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident is alleged to have happened on August 10 of the previous year. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeThe defence solicitor said the defendant's actions were caused by drink. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationSergeant Brendan Kearns told the court that a Garda patrol car was passing the defendant when he gesticulated with his middle finger towards it. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe man was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour in a public place. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at the December 10 sitting of Tullamore District Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Cody ordered the defendant to donate €500 to St Vincent de Paul and struck the case out. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherGarda Dermot McDermott stopped the car to speak to the defendant, who became verbally abusive towards him. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had a number of previous convictions. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence solicitor said the defendant is an electrician. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is in an eight-year relationship. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Dec2025
    Otheroffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Offaly man raised middle finger at passing Garda car

    Court report on the December 10 sitting of Tullamore District Court. Adds the charge, the Garda evidence, the defence account, and the disposal, with the case struck out after a €500 donation.

    accused, male