Sunday 1 November 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. 21968Criminal damage; public order (drunk and abusive) · Co. Laois · 21 Jan 2023

Pensioner James Donoghue's criminal damage and public order charges conditionally struck out at Portlaoise District Court

James Donoghue, 70, of Portlaoise, appeared at Portlaoise District Court accused of criminal damage and being drunk and abusive after damaging a garda's radio during his arrest on Patrick Street, Mountmellick, on 21 January 2023. Judge Andrew Cody said he would strike out the charges if Donoghue paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, with the matter adjourned to 13 April 2023 for proof of the donation.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court10 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJames Donoghue, 70, of 14 Bruach Na hAbhann, Portlaoise, was arrested for criminal damage and being drunk and abusive. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatDonoghue was among a group of males acting aggressively in Patrick Street. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHe was in his 70s and in receipt of a pension. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHe had been attending a family function and a row had developed on the street. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHe came out to try and broker the peace. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred on Patrick Street in Mountmellick. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place at 12.10am on 21 January 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Andrew Cody said he would strike out the charges if the man paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe matter was put back to 13 April for proof of a donation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHe had no previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHe brought €100 to court as a token of his sorrow, regret and shame. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 10 Mar2023
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Pensioner damaged Garda’s radio in Laois

    First report of the case. Donoghue was told the charges would be struck out if he paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund by 13 April 2023. His solicitor Philip Meagher said the defendant was 'extremely ashamed' and had brought €100 to court as a token of his sorrow.

    accused, James Donoghue, 70, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Donoghue