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. 10510Obstruction of gardaí; intoxication in a public place · Co. Laois · 21 Dec 2025

Man accused of obstruction and public intoxication at M7 Cappakeel, Laois

On 21 December 2025 at Junction 15 of the M7 at Cappakeel, Laois, gardaí responding to a traffic accident found a driver intoxicated close to the scene at 8.20pm. Kevin Shine (29), of Fethard, Co Tipperary, was arrested after a garda sergeant said he became abusive towards gardaí and attempted to kick one of them. He was charged with obstruction of gardaí and being intoxicated in public. At a Portlaoise District Court appearance reported on 15 March 2026, his solicitor said he would plead guilty, and the judge ordered a probation report, restorative justice and a community service suitability assessment. The latest development is the adjournment of the case to Portlaoise District Court on 8 June 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • The accused became abusive and insulting towards gardaí, according to Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby.
  • The accused attempted to kick one of the gardaí.
Where
The incident took place at Junction 15 of the M7 at Cappakeel in Laois.
When
The incident occurred on 21 December 2025.
Cause
Gardaí responding to a traffic accident found a driver intoxicated close to the scene at 8.20pm.
Other details
  • The accused is Kevin Shine (29), of 37 An Seanline, Fethard, Co Tipperary.
  • The accused had left addiction treatment early and was in Laois meeting friends he had met through treatment.
Investigation
The accused was arrested.
Charges
The accused was charged with obstruction of gardaí and being intoxicated in public.
In court
  • The garda sergeant said the accused had 20 previous convictions.
  • The accused's solicitor said he was pleading guilty.
  • The judge ordered a probation report, restorative justice and a community service suitability assessment.
  • The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 8 June 2026.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe accused became abusive and insulting towards gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe accused attempted to kick one of the gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at Junction 15 of the M7 at Cappakeel in Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 21 December 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeGardaí responded to a traffic accident and found the driver intoxicated near the scene at 8.20pm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe accused was arrested. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was accused of obstruction and being intoxicated in public. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe accused had 20 previous convictions, according to the garda sergeant. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe accused's solicitor said he was pleading guilty. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge ordered a probation report, restorative justice and a community service suitability assessment. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 8 June. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused had left addiction treatment early and was visiting friends he met through treatment. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Mar2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man tried to kick Laois Garda

    Court report of the Portlaoise District Court appearance. The accused's solicitor said he was pleading guilty. The garda sergeant said he had 20 previous convictions. The judge ordered reports and adjourned the case to 8 June 2026.

    accused, Kevin Shine, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Kevin Shine