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. 14810Threatening or abusive behaviour · Co. Laois · 1 Jan 2025

Portlaoise man accused of threatening behaviour on New Year's Day gets probation

Aaron Martley, a 34-year-old man of Dublin Road, Portlaoise, was accused of threatening and abusive behaviour at Market Square, Portlaoise, at 3am on 1 January 2025. Gardaí said he had been drinking and was shouting and roaring, while his solicitor said he was acting as a good samaritan. Martley was arrested and charged, and the case came before the court in January 2025 with the defence stating he was normally of good character with no previous convictions. The most recent development is that the judge applied the Probation Act and ordered his €300 to be donated to the Little Blue Heroes charity.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced24 Jan
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Aaron Martley, 34, of Dublin Road, Portlaoise, was accused of threatening and abusive behaviour.
Where
The incident took place at Market Square, Portlaoise, in County Laois.
When
The incident occurred at 3am on 1 January 2025.
Cause
Martley had been drinking, according to the account given in court.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Martley was shouting and roaring at the time of the incident.
Charges
Martley was accused of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.
Other details
  • The court was told Martley was normally of good character and had no previous convictions.
  • His solicitor, Philip Meagher, said Martley worked in the transport industry and was acting as a good samaritan.
In court
Martley brought €300 to court.
Sentence
  • The judge applied the Probation Act.
  • The judge ordered the €300 to be donated to the Little Blue Heroes charity.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe incident took place at Market Square, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred at 3am on New Year's Day. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeMartley had been drinking. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeMartley was accused of threatening and abusive behaviour. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtMartley brought €300 to court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge ordered the €300 to be donated to the Little Blue Heroes charity. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge applied the Probation Act. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe court was told Martley was normally of good character. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMartley had no previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said Martley was trying to act as a good samaritan. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMartley worked in the transport industry. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Jan2025
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Good samaritan arrested in Portlaoise on New Year’s Day

    Court report on the case. Adds the court disposal (€300 donated to Little Blue Heroes charity, Probation Act applied) and the defence account of the incident.

    accused, Aaron Martley, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Martley