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. 19820Public order offences · Co. Offaly · 25 Jun 2023

Man given suspended sentence over public order offences in Birr

On 25 June 2023 gardaí arrested Christopher McDonagh (41), a man, at Emmet Square in Birr, Co Offaly, for public drunkenness and a breach of the peace. The arrest required handcuffs and a baton, and the court heard that he had been assaulted himself beforehand. He was charged with public order offences committed in Birr and the case was heard at Tullamore District Court. On 15 September 2023 Judge Andrew Cody imposed a one-month suspended sentence and a €200 fine, as reported by offalyexpress.ie.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced15 Sep
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Christopher McDonagh (41), a man, was arrested for public drunkenness and a breach of the peace.
Where
The arrest took place at Emmet Square in Birr, Co Offaly.
When
  • The arrest took place on 25 June 2023.
  • The sentence was reported by offalyexpress.ie on 15 September 2023.
Cause
Before his arrest, McDonagh had been assaulted himself; his defence said another man assaulted him as he entered a disco with his wife and he became annoyed.
Investigation
Gardaí had to handcuff McDonagh and use a baton during the arrest.
Weapon
Gardaí used a baton during the arrest of McDonagh.
Charges
McDonagh was charged with public order offences committed in Birr.
In court
The case was heard at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody.
Sentence
  • McDonagh was given a one-month suspended sentence.
  • McDonagh was fined €200.
Other details
  • McDonagh had previous convictions for assault, public order offences, larceny and affray, and had been sentenced to community service.
  • Defending solicitor Donal Farrelly spoke on McDonagh's behalf in court.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe arrest took place at Emmet Square. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe arrest took place on June 25. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeBefore his arrest, Christopher McDonagh had been assaulted himself. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí had to handcuff Christopher McDonagh and use a baton during the arrest. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeChristopher McDonagh was charged with public order offences committed in Birr. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Tullamore District Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceChristopher McDonagh was given a one-month suspended sentence. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceChristopher McDonagh was fined €200. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherChristopher McDonagh had previous convictions for assault, public order offences and larceny. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherChristopher McDonagh had a prior conviction for affray. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherHis defence said he got annoyed when another man assaulted him while he was entering a disco with his wife. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Sep2023
    Sentencedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Baton used by gardai during arrest of drunken man in Offaly

    Reports the sentence imposed on Christopher McDonagh at Tullamore District Court, his prior convictions, and the defence account that another man assaulted him before his arrest.

    convicted, Christopher McDonagh, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)Christopher McDonagh