Ireland Offaly man fined and given suspended sentence over Laois Pride Parade conduct
John McGhee (47), of Church Street, Clara, Co Offaly, was arrested under Sections 6 and 7 of the Public Order Act after a garda said he displayed a placard reading "LGBT tyranny, grooming your kids" at the Laois Pride parade at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise, on 9 September 2023. He was charged with threatening or abusive behaviour, displaying an offensive sign and failing to comply with a garda, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Portlaoise District Court convicted him, and reports published on 6 and 7 June 2024 say he was fined €500 and given a three-month sentence suspended for two years on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The court ordered the sign destroyed, and the latest reported development is that McGhee intends to appeal the conviction.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced6 Jun
2 reports
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A placard reading "LGBT tyranny, grooming your kids" was displayed, according to the garda.
- Where
- The incident happened at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise, during the Laois Pride parade organised by the Midlands LGBT Plus Project.
- When
- The incident happened on 9 September 2023.
- Investigation
- McGhee was arrested under Sections 6 and 7 of the Public Order Act.
- Charges
- McGhee was charged with threatening or abusive behaviour, displaying an offensive sign and failing to comply with a member of An Garda Siochana.
- McGhee pleaded not guilty to all charges.
- In court
- Judge Nicola Andrews of Portlaoise District Court found the State had proven its case and convicted him.
- McGhee had no previous convictions.
- The judge said McGhee conducted his defence in a derogatory and offensive manner to inflict hurt.
- Sentence
- McGhee was fined €500 and given a three-month sentence suspended for two years, on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
- Other details
- The court issued a destruction order for the sign.
- McGhee intends to appeal the conviction.
- McGhee is 47 and of Church Street, Clara, Co Offaly.
22 statements extracted from the articles
- whatHe was holding a placard with the words 'LGBT tyranny, grooming your kids'. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whereThe incident happened at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe charges arose from the Laois Pride parade. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on 9 September 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident took place on 9 September 2023. (offalyexpress.ie)
- investigationMcGhee was arrested under Sections 6 and 7 of the Public Order Act. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationA garda told him he was being arrested under Section 6 and 7 of the Public Order Act. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeMcGhee was accused of threatening or abusive behaviour, displaying an offensive sign, and failing to comply with a garda. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeMcGhee pleaded not guilty to all charges. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeHe was accused of threatening or abusive behaviour, displaying an offensive sign and failing to comply with a garda. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge said the State had proven its case and convicted McGhee on the charges. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtMcGhee had no previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHe entered a not guilty plea on all charges. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge found the State had proven its case and convicted him. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceMcGhee was fined €500. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceMcGhee received a three-month sentence suspended for two years, on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceHe was fined €500 and given a three-month sentence suspended for two years on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe event was a Laois Pride parade organised by the Midlands LGBT Plus Project. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe sign he displayed read "LGBT tyranny, grooming your kids", according to the garda. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe court issued a destruction order for the sign. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherMcGhee intends to appeal the conviction. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHe had no previous convictions. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 7 Jun2024Offaly man convicted of engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Pride Parade given suspended prison sentence
Court report of the trial and sentencing. The article gives the full court proceedings, the sentence and the defendant's account of events. It is the first report of this incident in the case list.
convicted, John McGhee, 47, male, named, irish (judged from name)John McGhee - 6 Jun2024Laois Pride Parade protester convicted
Reports the Portlaoise District Court conviction, €500 fine and suspended sentence, and McGhee's stated intention to appeal. Adds the garda and witness evidence and the defendant's account of events.
convicted, John McGhee, 47, male, named, irish (judged from name)John McGhee