Saturday 31 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. 21212Public order offence (drunk and abusive behaviour in a Garda station) · Co. Laois · 5 Mar 2023

Woman given suspended sentence for drunk and abusive behaviour at Portlaoise Garda Station

On March 5, 2023, Katarzyna Tkaczyk, a 27-year-old woman of no fixed abode, was arrested at Portlaoise Garda Station in County Laois after gardaí said she was intoxicated and aggressive in the public office. She admitted being drunk and abusive there, and her solicitor said she had gone to the station because she was homeless. The court heard she had five previous convictions, the most recent a suspended sentence from January 26, and her earlier suspended sentence was referred back to Portlaoise District Court on May 4. Judge Andrew Cody imposed a six-month sentence suspended for two years, as reported on May 8, 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced1 May
    2 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Katarzyna Tkaczyk, 27, of no fixed abode, admitted being drunk and abusive in the public office of the station.
Where
The incident took place at Portlaoise Garda Station in County Laois.
When
She was arrested at the station on March 5, 2023.
Cause
Her solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald, said she presented at the station because she was homeless.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said she attended the public office, was intoxicated and aggressive, and had to be arrested.
In court
  • She has five previous convictions, the most recent a suspended sentence imposed on January 26.
  • Judge Andrew Cody asked, "Five weeks later she is back?"
  • Her previous suspended sentence was referred back to Portlaoise District Court on May 4.
Sentence
Judge Andrew Cody imposed a six-month sentence suspended for two years.
Other details
  • Her solicitor said she has since found accommodation in Portlaoise and is doing better.
  • The case was reported by Leinster Express on May 1, 2023 and by Offaly Express on May 8, 2023.
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatShe admitted being drunk and abusive in the public office of the station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatA woman admitted being drunk and abusive in the public office of Portlaoise Garda Station. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at Portlaoise Garda Station in County Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereShe attended the public office of the station. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenShe was arrested at the station on March 5, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe woman was arrested at the station on March 5. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeShe was intoxicated and aggressive when she was arrested. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeHer solicitor said she presented at the station because she was homeless. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said she was intoxicated and aggressive and had to be arrested. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationShe had to be arrested at the station. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtShe has five previous convictions, the most recent from January 26 when she received a suspended sentence. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a six-month sentence suspended for two years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe previous suspended sentence was referred back to Portlaoise District Court on May 4. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Cody imposed a six-month sentence, suspended for two years. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherShe has since found accommodation in Portlaoise and is doing better. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHer solicitor said she has since found accommodation in Portlaoise and is doing better. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 May2023
    Sentencedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Homeless woman arrested at Garda Station in the Midlands

    Reports the court outcome: a six-month sentence suspended for two years, and a referral of her previous suspended sentence back to Portlaoise District Court on May 4.

    convicted, Katarzyna Tkaczyk, 27, female, namedKatarzyna Tkaczyk
  2. 1 May2023
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, follow-up
    Homeless woman arrested at Portlaoise Garda Station

    Adds the sentence imposed (six months suspended for two years), her five previous convictions, and that her earlier suspended sentence was referred back to Portlaoise District Court on May 4.

    convicted, Katarzyna Tkaczyk, 27, female, namedKatarzyna Tkaczyk