Ireland Man spat in garda's face after arrest in Laois
On January 25, 2024, David McDonagh (30) of Portarlington was arrested for being drunk and shouting and roaring in Bracklone Street, Portarlington, and was then taken to Portlaoise Garda Station. There, according to Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby, he stood up and spat, hitting Garda James Cahill around the eye area. McDonagh admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Bracklone Street, and assaulting a garda by spitting on him. Judge Susan Fay imposed a four-month prison sentence for the assault on the garda, as reported on January 22, 2025, and McDonagh was already serving a prison sentence with a release date of July 9.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced22 Jan
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- David McDonagh (30) of Portarlington admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Bracklone Street, Portarlington.
- McDonagh admitted assaulting a garda by spitting on him at Portlaoise Garda Station.
- Where
- The assault took place at Portlaoise Garda Station, Portlaoise, Co Laois.
- When
- The offence occurred on January 25, 2024.
- Cause
- McDonagh was arrested for being drunk and shouting and roaring at Bracklone Street.
- Investigation
- After his arrest he was taken back to the garda station, where Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he stood up and spat, hitting Garda James Cahill around the eye area.
- Charges
- McDonagh's solicitor said he was pleading guilty to the offence of assaulting a garda.
- In court
- Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told Portlaoise District Court that McDonagh had a number of previous convictions.
- Sentence
- Judge Susan Fay imposed a four-month prison sentence for the assault on the garda, as reported on January 22, 2025.
- Other details
- McDonagh's solicitor said he had drunk a lot of alcohol on the day, was on medication, and suffers from anxiety and depression.
- McDonagh's solicitor said he was already serving a prison sentence with a release date of July 9.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatDavid McDonagh admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Bracklone Street, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatHe admitted assaulting a garda by spitting on him at Portlaoise Garda Station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe assault took place at Portlaoise Garda Station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe offence occurred on January 25, 2024. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- causeHe was arrested for being drunk and shouting and roaring at Bracklone Street. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationAfter his arrest he was taken back to the garda station, where he stood up and spat, hitting Garda James Cahill around the eye area. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtGarda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court the defendant had a number of previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHis solicitor said he was pleading guilty to the offence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceJudge Susan Fay imposed a four-month prison sentence for the assault on the garda. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor said he had drunk a lot of alcohol on the day, was on medication, and suffers from anxiety and depression. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor said he was serving a prison sentence and had a release date of July 9 this year. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 22 Jan2025Man spat in Garda’s face after arrest in Laois
Court report on the guilty plea and four-month prison sentence. Reports that the defendant was already serving a prison sentence with a release date of July 9, and that his solicitor cited drink, medication and anxiety and depression.
convicted, David McDonagh, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)David McDonaghvictim, James Cahill, irish (judged from name)James Cahill