Friday 30 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. 15974Public order offence (public drunkenness and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour) · Co. Offaly · 5 Aug 2024

Man ordered to pay €400 to Garda Benevolent Fund over Tullamore public order offences

On 5 August 2024, Sergeant Richard Thornton was on mobile patrol at O'Connell Street in Tullamore when he saw a very intoxicated man, Paul McGrath (41), an Offaly man, go to grab the sergeant's arm; the sergeant used pepperspray and the man became compliant. Mr McGrath pleaded guilty at Tullamore District Court to public drunkenness and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, and the court heard he had more than 50 previous convictions. On 25 September 2024 it was reported that Judge Andrew Cody ordered him to pay €400 to the Garda Benevolent Fund before October 16. If the money is paid, the judge intends to impose a three-month suspended sentence on October 16.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted25 Sep
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
When
The incident happened on 5 August 2024.
Where
The incident took place at O'Connell Street in Tullamore, County Offaly.
What happened
Sergeant Richard Thornton, on mobile patrol, saw a very intoxicated man and the man went to grab the sergeant's arm.
Weapon
The sergeant used pepperspray on the man, after which he became compliant.
Cause
The man was described as very intoxicated when the sergeant saw him.
Charges
Paul McGrath, an Offaly man aged 41, admitted public drunkenness and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.
In court
  • Mr McGrath pleaded guilty to public order offences at Tullamore District Court.
  • The court heard that Mr McGrath had more than 50 previous convictions.
Sentence
  • Judge Andrew Cody ordered Mr McGrath to pay €400 to the Garda Benevolent Fund before October 16.
  • If the money is paid, the judge intends to impose a three-month suspended sentence on October 16.
Other details
The court disposal was first reported on 25 September 2024, and the article also gave the mitigation offered by his solicitor.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe man went to grab the garda sergeant's arm. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whereSergeant Thornton was on mobile patrol at O'Connell Street when he saw a very intoxicated male. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on August 5 at O'Connell Street in Tullamore. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • weaponThe garda sergeant used pepperspray on the man, after which he became compliant. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeMr McGrath admitted public drunkenness and engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtMr McGrath pleaded guilty to public order offences at Tullamore District Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtMr McGrath had more than 50 previous convictions. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Cody ordered Mr McGrath to pay €400 to the Garda Benevolent Fund before October 16. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceIf the money is paid, the judge intends to impose a three-month suspended sentence on October 16. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Sep2024
    Convictedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Offaly garda sergeant had to use pepperspray against drunken man

    First report of the case. Article gives the court disposal: a €400 payment to the Garda Benevolent Fund, with a conditional three-month suspended sentence. Also gives the defendant's previous convictions and the mitigation offered by his solicitor.

    convicted, Paul McGrath, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)Paul McGrath