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. 20125Public order offences (intoxication in a public place; threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour) · Co. Louth · 16 Apr 2022

Man given community service over middle finger gesture at gardaí, Dundalk

On 16 April 2022, Emmet Grogan, a 38-year-old man, was a front-seat passenger in a car that passed gardaí at Clós na Manach in Dundalk, and he stuck up his middle finger. He was prosecuted for being intoxicated in a public place and for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. The case was put back so his suitability for community service could be assessed, and on a date in late July 2023 Dundalk District Court gave him 100 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month sentence, which was reported on 1 August 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced2 Aug
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 38-year-old man stuck up his middle finger as the car he was a passenger in passed gardaí.
Where
The incident happened at Clós na Manach, Dundalk, and one report places the gesture in Carlingford.
When
  • The offence took place on 16 April 2022.
  • The sentence was reported on 1 August 2023, with the court hearing held the previous week.
Cause
The man was a front-seat passenger, and he stuck up his middle finger as the car passed gardaí.
Charges
  • Emmet Grogan of Mountain View, Point Road, Dundalk was prosecuted for being intoxicated in a public place.
  • He was also prosecuted for using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.
In court
The case was heard at Dundalk District Court.
Investigation
The case was put back so his suitability for community service could be assessed.
Other details
  • His solicitor said he did not mean to offend and that it was a silly and immature joke made with his girlfriend.
  • The court heard he had 25 previous convictions, and his solicitor said he has not been in trouble for 10 years.
Sentence
He was given 100 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month sentence.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe incident happened at Clós na Manach. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on April 16, 2022. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • causeHe stuck his middle finger up as the car he was a passenger in passed gardaí. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • chargeHe was prosecuted for being intoxicated in a public place and for using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Dundalk District Court. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed 100 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month sentence. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he did not mean to offend and that it was a silly joke. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe court heard he had 25 previous convictions. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he has not been in trouble for 10 years. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe case was put back so his suitability for community service could be assessed. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Aug2023
    Sentenceddundalkdemocrat.ie, first report
    Man stuck middle finger up at gardaí, Dundalk court heard

    Court report on the sentencing of Emmet Grogan, who was given 100 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month sentence. Adds the court details, his stated defence, his previous convictions and the sentence.

    convicted, Emmet Grogan, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Emmet Grogan