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. 8046Threatening or abusive behaviour · Co. Laois · 23 Jun 2026

Man fined €200 for threatening behaviour outside Portlaoise Courthouse

On 23 June 2026, at about 10.45am, John Donoghue (49), a man, was reported to have roared and shouted at a woman on Main Street, Portlaoise, outside Portlaoise Courthouse, where a large crowd had gathered. Gardaí arrested him. On 13 September 2026 he pleaded guilty at Portlaoise District Court to threatening and abusive behaviour, and his solicitor said he apologised for his conduct on the day. Judge Andrew Gubbins fined him €200 and gave him six months to pay, which is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced13 Sep
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A man was reported to have roared and shouted at a woman across the road outside Portlaoise Courthouse.
Where
The incident happened on Main Street, Portlaoise, outside the courthouse.
When
The incident happened at about 10.45am on 23 June 2026.
Cause
The woman was known to the man, and an issue had arisen over another relation.
Investigation
  • Two children were with the woman on Main Street, and the man was arrested.
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said there was a large gathering outside the courthouse at the time.
Charges
John Donoghue, 49, of Graiguecullen, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.
In court
  • The guilty plea was entered at Portlaoise District Court on 13 September 2026, with solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick speaking for him.
  • The solicitor said the man apologised for his behaviour on the day.
Other details
  • The man was told to desist and leave the area but remained.
  • The man had 19 previous convictions, the most recent dating to 2021.
Sentence
Judge Andrew Gubbins fined the man €200 and gave him six months to pay.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe man came roaring and shouting at a woman across the road. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe incident happened on Main Street, Portlaoise, outside the courthouse. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 23 June 2026. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe woman was known to the defendant, and an issue had arisen over another relation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationTwo children were present with the woman on Main Street, and the man was arrested. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe solicitor said the man was pleading guilty and apologised for his behaviour on the day. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Gubbins fined the man €200 and gave him six months to pay. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man was told to desist and leave the area but remained. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had 19 previous convictions, the most recent dating to 2021. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Sep2026
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    ‘Roaring and shouting’ at woman outside Portlaoise Courthouse

    First report of this case. Adds the guilty plea, the account of the incident outside Portlaoise Courthouse, the arrest, and the €200 fine with six months to pay.

    convicted, John Donoghue, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Donoghuevictim, female