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. 21864Public order offence (intoxication in a public place; abusive behaviour); possession of an implement (screwdriver) · Co. Laois · 18 Jan 2023

Thomas McCarthy sentenced for public order offences and possession of screwdriver in Portlaoise

Thomas McCarthy, 39, of Roscrea, admitted to public order charges and possession of a screwdriver following an incident at the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise, on 18 January 2023. Judge Andrew Cody fined him €200 for intoxication and imposed six months' imprisonment for abusive behaviour and possession of the screwdriver.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced17 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
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
  1. 17 Mar2023
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Traveller 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