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. 18454Threatening or abusive behaviour · Co. Longford · 10 Jan 2024

Longford man fined for abusing gardaí in Farnagh

On 10 January 2024 at 12:40am, gardaí on patrol in the Farnagh area of Longford stopped a 19-year-old man, Luke Purcell, who was riding a bicycle, and searched him. As he rode away he shouted abuse at the officers. He faced a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour, and at Longford District Court he was fined €200 with three months to pay, as reported on 29 January 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced29 Jan
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Luke Purcell, aged 19, faced a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour.
  • After the search, he shouted abuse at the officers as he rode away.
Where
The offence took place in Farnagh, Longford.
When
The offence took place on 10 January 2024 at 12:40am.
Cause
Gardaí on patrol in the Farnagh area stopped the man, who was riding a bicycle, and searched him.
Investigation
Sergeant Enda Daly told the court that officers conducted a search after speaking to the rider.
Charges
Sources differ on the offence: one says he was arrested for a breach of public order, while the court report says he faced a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour.
In court
The case was heard at Longford District Court.
Sentence
The judge imposed a fine of €200 and gave the defendant three months to pay.
Other details
  • The defendant had one previous conviction for driving a defective vehicle.
  • The defendant's solicitor apologised on his behalf for his behaviour.
  • The solicitor said the defendant was going through a difficult period.
  • Legal aid was assigned to the defendant.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatLuke Purcell, aged 19, faced a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whatAfter the search, the man shouted abuse at the officers as he rode away. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whereThe offence took place in Farnagh, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on 10 January 2024 at 12:40am. (longfordleader.ie)
  • causeGardaí on patrol in the Farnagh area stopped a young man on a bicycle and searched him. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeThe young man was arrested for a breach of public order. (longfordleader.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a fine of €200 and gave the defendant three months to pay. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had one previous conviction for driving a defective vehicle. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe defendant's solicitor said he wished to apologise for his behaviour. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe solicitor said the defendant was going through a difficult period. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherLegal aid was assigned to the defendant. (longfordleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 29 Jan2024
    Sentencedlongfordleader.ie, first report
    Longford man abused gardaí: ' You do nothing but cause trouble around here'

    Court report of the sentencing. It gives the offence details, the fine of €200 with three months to pay, the defendant's age, and the solicitor's apology on his behalf.

    convicted, Luke Purcell, 19, male, named, irish (judged from name)Luke Purcell