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. 19188Public order offence · Co. Laois · 9 Nov 2023

Man given suspended sentence over drunken abuse of gardaí in Portlaoise

Felix Daly, 54, a man of Chapel Street, Mountmellick, was arrested for being drunk and abusive on Main Street, Portlaoise, on 9 November 2023. Gardaí found him curled up on the street at about 12.15am, and he called them offensive names. His solicitor said he had mixed alcohol with strong painkillers after spinal injections at the Mater Hospital in Dublin. Judge Andrew Cody imposed a two-month sentence, suspended for three years, as reported on 13 November 2023.

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

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A man called gardaí offensive names after being found curled up on Main Street, Portlaoise.
Where
The incident happened on Main Street, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The incident and arrest took place on 9 November 2023, with gardaí finding the man at about 12.15am.
Charges
Felix Daly, 54, of Chapel Street, Mountmellick, was arrested for being drunk and abusive on Main Street.
Cause
The solicitor said the man had mixed alcohol with strong painkillers after attending the Mater Hospital in Dublin for spinal injections.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was found half asleep, curled up in a foetal position on Main Street.
Other details
  • The man told gardaí they were 'dirty c**ts' and to f**k off, according to Sgt Kirby.
  • Sgt Kirby said the man had 20 previous convictions, the last dated from 2018.
  • The solicitor, Philip Meagher, said the man was a single man on disability benefit.
  • The man had no memory of the incident and was apologetic and compliant when he woke.
In court
Judge Andrew Cody said gardaí have better things to be doing.
Sentence
The judge imposed a two-month sentence, suspended for three years.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man called gardaí offensive names after being found curled up on Main Street. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe incident happened on Main Street, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe arrest was made on 9 November. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe solicitor said the man had mixed alcohol with strong painkillers after attending hospital for spinal injections. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was found half asleep at 12.15am. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Andrew Cody said gardaí have better things to be doing. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a two-month sentence, suspended for three years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man told gardaí they were dirty c**ts and to f**k off. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherSgt Kirby said the man had 20 previous convictions, the last dated from 2018. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe solicitor said the man was a single man on disability benefit. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had no memory of the incident and was apologetic and compliant when he woke. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Nov2023
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man called Portlaoise gardai 'dirty c**ts'

    Court report on the sentencing: a suspended two-month sentence, with details of the garda account, the defence account and the accused's previous convictions.

    convicted, Felix Daly, 54, male, named, irish (judged from name)Felix Daly