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. 15357Public order (intoxication and threatening or abusive behaviour) · Co. Laois · 7 Jul 2024

Man pleads guilty to intoxication and threatening behaviour in Portlaoise

On 7 July 2024 at about 3.30pm, a man was found covered in vomit and urine outside Brew Cafe on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise, Laois. Thomas McGarry (65), of Athy, Kildare, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour there, as reported on 30 November 2024. The judge said the offence was quite serious given the time of day and that she was minded to order a probation report. The case was put back to Portlaoise District Court on 24 February for a probation report, which is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A man was found covered in vomit and urine outside a cafe on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise.
Where
He was found outside Brew Cafe on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise, at 3.30pm.
When
The incident took place on 7 July 2024.
Charges
Thomas McGarry pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise.
Cause
He had been clean for seven years but relapsed into alcohol addiction after losing his wife to Covid.
Other details
  • He was highly intoxicated and drinking a bottle of wine at the time, and had absconded from treatment in hospital.
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that he had 12 previous convictions.
In court
  • The judge said the offence was quite serious given the time of day.
  • The judge said she was minded to order a probation report.
  • The case was put back to Portlaoise District Court on 24 February for a probation report; one caption says he appeared via video link at Portlaoise Circuit Court.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man was found covered in vomit and urine outside a cafe on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe defendant was found outside Brew Cafe on the Dublin Road at 3.30pm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on 7 July. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe man had been clean for seven years but relapsed into alcohol addiction after losing his wife to Covid. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThomas McGarry pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge said the offence was quite serious given the time of day. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge said she was minded to order a probation report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was put back to Portlaoise District Court on February 24 for a probation report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had absconded from treatment in hospital. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man was highly intoxicated and covered in urine and vomit, and was drinking a bottle of wine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had 12 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Nov2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Court hears children would have been “disturbed” by vomit covered man in Laois

    Reports the guilty plea, the judge's decision to order a probation report, and the return date. Describes the defendant's previous convictions, relapse and absconding from treatment.

    accused, Thomas McGarry, 65, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas McGarry