Friday 30 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. 17185Public order offences; possession of drugs · Co. Laois

Man admits intoxication, abuse and Xanax possession at Portlaoise Hospital

On January 6 last, according to a report published May 21, 2024, gardaí were called at 7.45pm to Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, where a man was intoxicated and abusive to staff and gardaí. Jason Coughlan, a 27-year-old man, was arrested, and gardaí found 30 Xanax tablets. At Portlaoise District Court he admitted being intoxicated, abusive and in possession of Xanax without prescription, and his solicitor asked for credit for the guilty plea. Judge Nicola Andrews referred him to the probation services and adjourned the case to July 15 for a probation report.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Jason Coughlan admitted being intoxicated, abusive and aggressive, and calling gardaí names, at the hospital.
Where
The incident took place at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
When
  • The incident happened on January 6, with no year given in the report.
  • Gardaí were called to the hospital at 7.45pm on the evening in question.
Cause
At the time of the offending, Coughlan was addicted to street tablets, according to his solicitor.
Investigation
Gardaí arrested Coughlan and found 30 Xanax tablets.
Charges
Coughlan admitted possessing Xanax without prescription.
In court
Coughlan appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where his solicitor asked for credit for the guilty plea.
Sentence
Judge Nicola Andrews referred Coughlan to the probation services and adjourned the case to July 15 for a probation report.
Other details
Coughlan has 12 previous convictions.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatCoughlan admitted being intoxicated and abusive. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatCoughlan admitted being aggressive and calling gardaí names at the hospital. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe offences took place at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on January 6. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenGardaí were called to the hospital at 7.45pm on the evening in question. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeAt the time of the offending, Coughlan was addicted to street tablets, according to his solicitor. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí found 30 Xanax tablets after arresting him. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeCoughlan admitted possessing Xanax without prescription. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtCoughlan appeared before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtHis solicitor asked for credit for the guilty plea. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Nicola Andrews referred Coughlan to the probation services and adjourned the case to July 15 for a probation report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherCoughlan has 12 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 May2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man was arrested after gardaí called to Portlaoise Hospital

    Court report of Jason Coughlan's guilty admissions at Portlaoise District Court. Gardaí were called to the hospital at 7.45pm and found 30 Xanax tablets. The case was adjourned to July 15 for a probation report. The article gives no year for the incident date.

    accused, Jason Coughlan, 27, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jason Coughlan