Ireland Case No. 21864Public order offence (intoxication in a public place; abusive behaviour); possession of an implement (screwdriver) · Co. Laois · 18 Jan 2023
Man sentenced for public order offences and screwdriver possession in Portlaoise
Thomas McCarthy, 39, of Roscrea, Tipperary, admitted to public order charges and possession of a screwdriver after being found slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet outside the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise, on 18 January 2023. He alleged that Garda Michael Kilheeney made racial remarks during his arrest, which the garda denied. The case was heard before Judge Andrew Cody, who imposed a €200 fine for intoxication, a three-month sentence for abusive behaviour, and a further three months for possession of the screwdriver.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced17 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Thomas McCarthy, 39, of 1 Ashbury View, Roscrea, Tipperary, admitted to public order charges at the Maldron Hotel on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, on 18 January 2023.
- He also admitted to having a screwdriver at Portlaoise Garda Station on the same date.
- The accused was slurring his speech, had bloodshot eyes, and was unsteady on his feet.
- A sharply pointed screwdriver was found in the accused's right pocket.
- The accused has 28 previous convictions.
- Garda Kilheeney denied making any racial comments during the interaction.
- The accused had received bad news that a cousin had taken his own life on the day of the incident.
- When
- Garda Michael Kilheeney noticed the accused outside the Maldron Hotel at 9.46pm.
- In court
- The case was heard before Judge Andrew Cody.
- Sentence
- Judge Andrew Cody imposed a €200 fine for intoxication, a three-month sentence for abusive behaviour, and a further three months for possession of the screwdriver.
- Other details
- The accused's solicitor was Michael Byrne.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThomas McCarthy, 39, of 1 Ashbury View, Roscrea, Tipperary, admitted to public order charges at the Maldron Hotel on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, on 18 January 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatHe also admitted to having a screwdriver at Portlaoise Garda Station on the same date. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe accused was slurring his speech, had bloodshot eyes, and was unsteady on his feet. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatA sharply pointed screwdriver was found in the accused's right pocket. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe accused has 28 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatGarda Kilheeney denied making any racial comments during the interaction. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe accused had received bad news that a cousin had taken his own life on the day of the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatGarda Kilheeney had a previous interaction with the accused outside Supermacs two days before the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenGarda Michael Kilheeney noticed the accused outside the Maldron Hotel at 9.46pm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe case was heard before Judge Andrew Cody. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceJudge Andrew Cody imposed a €200 fine for being drunk. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceJudge Andrew Cody imposed a three-month sentence for being abusive. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceJudge Andrew Cody imposed a further three months for having a screwdriver. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe accused's solicitor was Michael Byrne. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 17 Mar2023Traveller alleges racist remarks during Portlaoise arrest
First report of this case. The accused alleged racial abuse (being called 'pikey') during his arrest; Garda Kilheeney denied it. Sentenced by Judge Andrew Cody.
convicted, Thomas McCarthy, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthy