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. 11427Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour · Co. Leitrim · 16 Feb 2025

Man charged over Carrick-on-Shannon garda car incident ordered to pay €1,000 to court poor box

James McDonagh (38) of Galway was charged with two counts of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour after an incident in a Garda patrol car on Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, in February 2025. At Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on 20 January 2026, the judge directed a €1,000 contribution to the court poor box, and he could be excused from attending if the money was lodged on the return date.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court21 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man who had been drinking sat in the driver's seat of a Garda patrol car and refused to get out when told. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • whatHe refused to leave the patrol car when directed and had to be physically removed from the vehicle. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place on Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, 16 February 2025. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • causeThe man had too much to drink on his stag night. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • chargeHe faced two charges of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • courtHe appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on 20 January 2026. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • courtHe could be excused from attending if the money was lodged into court on the return date. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge directed a €1,000 contribution to the court poor box. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • sentenceHe later returned to court with the €1,000. (leitrimobserver.ie)
  • otherGardaí were forced to use pepper spray during the incident. (leitrimobserver.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 Jan2026
    In courtleitrimobserver.ie, first report
    WATCH: Man who jumped into garda car during Leitrim stag party learns fate in court

    Court appearance on 20 January 2026 at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court; the accused was directed to pay €1,000 to the court poor box and later returned with the money.

    accused, James McDonagh, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)James McDonagh