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. 10934Public intoxication · Co. Laois · 27 Jan 2026

Father and son appear in Portlaoise court over public intoxication

On January 27, 2026, John McInerney (76, of Mountmellick) and his son Patrick McInerney (43, of Mountmellick) were accused of public intoxication on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise after drinking and failing to get a taxi. Gardaí arrested John McInerney after he was seen stumbling on the footpath at 1.30am, and Patrick McInerney was also accused of refusing to give his name and address to Gardaí. Both men pleaded guilty through their solicitor at Portlaoise District Court, and the case was adjourned to March 23 on continuing bail. Judge Coggans gave John McInerney one month to pay €150 to the court poor box, with a conviction and €300 fine as the default, and said she would do the same for Patrick, which is the latest development reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court18 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Both men were accused of public intoxication.
Where
The offences took place on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise.
When
The offences took place on January 27, 2026, with John McInerney stumbling on the footpath at 1.30am.
Cause
The men had been drinking and could not get a taxi.
Investigation
  • The men encountered Gardaí while trying to get a taxi.
  • John McInerney was arrested after stumbling on the footpath at 1.30am.
Charges
Patrick McInerney was also accused of refusing to provide his name and address to Gardaí.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court, where both defendants were remanded on continuing bail and adjourned to March 23.
  • Legal aid was granted to each defendant, and the defence said both men were pleading guilty.
Sentence
  • John McInerney was given one month to pay €150 to the court poor box, with a conviction and €300 fine as the default.
  • Judge Coggans said she would do the same for Patrick McInerney.
Other details
  • The defendant had 15 previous convictions, described as historic.
  • The offending happened on the third anniversary of the death of John McInerney's wife, and John McInerney, 76, lived alone on a State pension.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe offences took place on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place on January 27, 2026. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe men had been drinking and could not get a taxi. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe men encountered Gardaí while trying to get a taxi. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationJohn McInerney was stumbling on the footpath at 1.30am and had to be arrested. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeBoth men were accused of public intoxication. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargePatrick McInerney was also accused of refusing to provide his name and address to Gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe pair were remanded on continuing bail and the case was adjourned to March 23. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtLegal aid was granted to each defendant. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJohn McInerney was given one month to pay €150 to the court poor box. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the men were pleading guilty to the offences. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had 15 previous convictions, described as historic. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe offending happened on the third anniversary of John McInerney's wife's death. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherJohn McInerney was 76 years old and lived alone on a State pension. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Feb2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Father and son arrested in Portlaoise

    First report of this case. Both defendants appeared in Portlaoise District Court, pleaded guilty through their solicitor, and the matter was adjourned to March 23. Judge Coggans gave John McInerney one month to pay €150 to the court poor box, with a conviction and €300 fine as the default, and said she would do the same for Patrick.

    accused, John McInerney, 76, male, named, irish (judged from name)John McInerneyaccused, Patrick McInerney, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick McInerney