Saturday 31 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. 18503Intoxication in a public place · Co. Limerick · 23 Dec 2023

Man fined for being intoxicated in a public place on N21 at Barnagh

At around 9.30am on 23 December 2023, gardaí received a report that a man was walking unsteadily on the N21 at Barnagh, Newcastle West, County Limerick. Gardaí found a man dressed all in black staggering on the hard shoulder and arrested him for his own safety. John Coffey, aged 38, pleaded guilty at Newcastle West court to being intoxicated in a public place, with the court report dated 25 January 2024 in the record and 27 January 2024 in the article. Judge Carol Anne Coolican fined him €150, which is the latest development reported.

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

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A man staggering on a road was arrested for his own safety.
Where
The incident happened on the N21 at Barnagh, Newcastle West, County Limerick.
When
Gardaí received a report at around 9.30am on 23 December 2023.
Investigation
  • Gardaí saw a man dressed all in black staggering on the hard shoulder.
  • Gardaí noticed a strong smell of intoxicating liquor and that he was very unsteady on his feet.
Charges
John Coffey pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place.
In court
The case was heard at Newcastle West court, with the court report dated 25 January 2024 in the record and 27 January 2024 in the article.
Sentence
Judge Carol Anne Coolican fined Mr Coffey €150.
Cause
His solicitor said he is an alcoholic who relapsed before Christmas.
Other details
  • John Coffey is a 38-year-old man.
  • Inspector Barry Manton prosecuted the case.
  • The inspector said Mr Coffey has over 30 previous convictions, including three for intoxication, possession of a knife and drugs.
  • His solicitor said he is trying to get into Bruree House.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man staggering on a road was arrested for his own safety. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe man was walking unsteadily on the N21 at Barnagh, Newcastle West. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenGardaí received a report at around 9.30am on 23 December 2023. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationGardaí saw a man dressed all in black staggering on the hard shoulder. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeJohn Coffey pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Newcastle West court. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Carol Anne Coolican fined Mr Coffey €150. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherGardaí noticed a strong smell of intoxicating liquor and that he was very unsteady on his feet. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe inspector said Mr Coffey has over 30 previous convictions, including three for intoxication, possession of a knife and drugs. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he is an alcoholic who relapsed before Christmas and is trying to get into Bruree House. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Jan2024
    Sentencedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Man arrested for 'staggering' on national road in Limerick

    Reports the guilty plea, the €150 fine and the defendant's previous convictions for the first time in this set of records.

    convicted, John Coffey, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Coffey