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. 15962Obstruction of gardaí · Co. Laois

Man convicted of obstructing gardaí in Portlaoise

On July 15, a 35-year-old man named Alexander Berko resisted a drugs search by gardaí at Tower Hill, Portlaoise, County Laois, and was arrested. He admitted obstruction, and his case was heard at Portlaoise District Court, where he was convicted. The judge fined him €1,000 and gave him six months to pay, as reported on 28 September 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced25 Sep
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Alexander Berko, a 35-year-old man of Portlaoise, was convicted of obstructing gardaí.
Where
The obstruction took place at Tower Hill, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The obstruction occurred on July 15 last.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man was observed acting suspiciously and became evasive when approached by gardaí.
Cause
The man resisted a drugs search and had to be arrested.
Charges
The man admitted obstruction and was convicted of obstruction for resisting a drugs search.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court before Judge Nicola Andrews.
  • The tracker dates the report 25 September 2024, while the article gives its publication date as 28 September 2024.
Sentence
The judge fined the man €1,000 and gave him six months to pay.
Other details
  • A search at Portlaoise Garda Station found nothing in the man's possession.
  • The defence said the man took out his phone and tried to film gardaí, and had taken umbrage during the search.
  • The man had two previous convictions.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe obstruction took place at Tower Hill, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe obstruction occurred on July 15. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe man resisted a search and had to be arrested. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe man was observed acting suspiciously and became evasive when approached by gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe man was convicted of obstruction for resisting a drugs search. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge fined the man €1,000 and gave him six months to pay. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherA search at Portlaoise Garda Station found nothing in the man's possession. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the man had taken out his phone and tried to film gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the man had taken umbrage during the search. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had two previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Sep2024
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man convicted of obstructing gardaí in Laois

    Reports the court outcome for an obstruction conviction at Portlaoise District Court: admission, €1,000 fine and six months to pay. Includes the garda and defence accounts of the search.

    convicted, Alexander Berko, 35, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Alexander Berko