Ireland Case No. 10949Public intoxication, threatening or abusive behaviour, drug possession and criminal damage · Co. Laois · 25 Dec 2025
Man admits intoxication, threats and criminal damage after Christmas Day arrest, Portlaoise
Shane Fitzgerald (41), a man from Portlaoise, Co Laois, was arrested on Christmas Day 2025 after becoming abusive when gardaí approached him, and €20 of drugs was allegedly found in his sock. On 26 December 2025 he was charged with criminal damage to a cell at Abbeyleix Garda Station, where he vomited, at a cost of €200 to clean. On 17 February 2026 at Portlaoise District Court he admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour, possessing drugs and causing the criminal damage. The judge ordered restorative justice and adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on 22 June for finalisation.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court17 Feb
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Shane Fitzgerald (41), a man, admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and possessing drugs on Christmas Day 2025.
- He admitted causing criminal damage to a cell at Abbeyleix Garda Station on 26 December 2025.
- Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he was highly intoxicated, unsteady on his feet and looking for a fight.
- Where
- The Christmas Day conduct was reported in Portlaoise, Co Laois.
- When
- Gardaí said the incident occurred at 10pm on Christmas night, 25 December 2025.
- Cause
- His solicitor said he attended a party and had a falling out with his partner's brother.
- Investigation
- He was arrested after becoming abusive when gardaí approached him.
- Drugs valued at €20 were found in his sock during the arrest.
- Charges
- The criminal damage charge related to vomit on a cell, which cost €200 to clean.
- In court
- On 17 February 2026 at Portlaoise District Court he admitted the charges, and the judge ordered restorative justice.
- The judge adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on 22 June for finalisation.
- Other details
- His solicitor said the offending was an aberration and that his client had brought €120 to court.
- He has three previous convictions, which occurred a long time ago.
- His solicitor said he was originally from Dublin.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatShane Fitzgerald admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of drugs on Christmas Day 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatHe admitted causing criminal damage to a cell at Abbeyleix Garda Station on 26 December 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatGardaí said he was highly intoxicated, unsteady and looking for a fight at 10pm on Christmas night. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- causeHis solicitor said he attended a party and had a falling out with his partner's brother. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationHe was arrested after becoming abusive when gardaí approached him. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationDrugs valued at €20 were found in his sock during the arrest. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe criminal damage charge related to vomit on a cell, which cost €200 to clean. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge ordered restorative justice and adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on June 22 for finalisation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHe vomited in the cell and it had to be cleaned. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe solicitor said the offending was an aberration and his client had brought €120 to court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe man has three previous convictions, which occurred a long time ago. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor said he was originally from Dublin. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 17 Feb2026Man arrested in Portlaoise on Christmas Day vomited in Garda Station cell
Reports the guilty admissions at Portlaoise District Court, the restorative justice order and the June 22 adjournment, and gives the Abbeyleix cell damage details.
accused, Shane Fitzgerald, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)Shane Fitzgerald