Ireland Case No. 29879Public order (intoxication; threatening, abusive, insulting words in a public place) · Co. Laois · 5 Sep 2021
Man charged with public order offence in Portlaoise adjourned
Rocky McDonagh, 18, a man from Tullamore, was charged with intoxication and using threatening, abusive or insulting words after calling a taxi driver 'a black c***' at Top Square, Portlaoise, at 12.15am on 5 September 2021. He was arrested at the scene. At Portlaoise District Court, Judge Staines said the court would not accept any racism, ordered €100 compensation to the taxi driver, and requested a victim impact report. The matter was adjourned to 21 October 2021 to allow McDonagh to write a letter of apology.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court29 Sep
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Rocky McDonagh, 18, of 13 Cloncollig, Tullamore, was charged with intoxication and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
- At 12.15am on 5 September 2021, McDonagh tried to get into a taxi at Top Square, Portlaoise, and the driver told him he already had a fare.
- McDonagh called the taxi driver 'you black c***' and slammed the door shut.
- Where
- The incident took place at Top Square, Portlaoise.
- When
- The incident occurred at 12.15am on 5 September 2021.
- Cause
- McDonagh's wife had received news she was pregnant and he went for a drink, having not drunk in two years.
- Investigation
- McDonagh was arrested at the scene.
- In court
- At Portlaoise District Court, Judge Staines said the court would not accept any racism and ordered €100 compensation to the taxi driver.
- The judge requested a victim impact report and the matter was adjourned to 21 October 2021 to allow McDonagh to write a letter of apology.
- Other details
- McDonagh was heavily medicated for mental health issues and had not taken a drink in two years before the incident.
- His solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said McDonagh was effusive in his apologies and his father was with him in court.
29 statements extracted from the articles
- whatRocky McDonagh, 18, of 13 Cloncollig, Tullamore, was charged with intoxication and using threatening, abusive or insulting words. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatGarda Burke observed McDonagh trying to get into a taxi and the driver said he already had a fare. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatRocky McDonagh, 18, of 13 Cloncollig, Tullamore, was charged with intoxication and using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at Top Square, Portlaoise. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatGarda Burke observed McDonagh trying to get into a taxi and the taxi driver told him he already had a fare. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whereThe incident took place at Top Square, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred at 12.15am. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred at 12.15am on the Top Square. (offalyexpress.ie)
- causeOn the date of the incident his wife received news she was pregnant and he went for a drink. (offalyexpress.ie)
- investigationMcDonagh was arrested at the scene. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Staines said the court would not accept any racism. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtSolicitor Barry Fitzgerald appeared for McDonagh and said he was effusive in his apologies. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe matter was put to second call to allow McDonagh to write a letter of apology. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Staines said it was a horrible thing to say to a man doing his job. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge asked for a victim impact report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe letter of apology and compensation were to go to the taxi driver. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe matter was adjourned to 21 October. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe matter was put to second call to allow McDonagh to write a letter of apology to the taxi driver. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Staines said the court would not accept any racism and it was a horrible thing to say to a man doing his job. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge asked for a victim impact report and ordered €100 compensation to the taxi driver. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceMcDonagh was told to pay €100 in compensation to the taxi driver. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherMcDonagh's father was with him in court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherMcDonagh was heavily medicated for mental health issues. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherMcDonagh had not taken a drink in two years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHis wife received news she was pregnant and he went for a drink. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHe got completely inebriated from a mixture of drink and medication. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- otherIn his letter McDonagh said he was very sorry and it would never happen again. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said he was effusive in his apologies and his father was with him in court. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherMcDonagh ordinarily did not drink and was heavily medicated for mental health issues. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHe had not taken a drink in two years before the incident. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 29 Sep2021Offaly man who called taxi driver 'a black c***' told court would not accept any racism
Court appearance at Portlaoise District Court; Judge Staines ordered €100 compensation and a letter of apology, requested a victim impact report, and adjourned to 21 October 2021.
victim, maleaccused, Rocky McDonagh, 18, male, named, irish (judged from name)Rocky McDonagh - 29 Sep2021Court will not accept any racism, man who called taxi driver 'a black c***' in Laois town told
Provides fuller detail on the court hearing: the judge's specific remarks, the defence's explanation (medication, pregnancy news, first drink in two years), the victim impact report request, and the adjournment to 21 October 2021.
victim, maleaccused, Rocky McDonagh, 18, male, named, irish (judged from name)Rocky McDonagh