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. 16472Public intoxication; threatening and abusive behaviour; failing to comply with garda directions · Co. Laois · 12 Jun 2024

Woman sentenced over public order offences in Portlaoise

On 12 June 2024 at Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, County Laois, a 25-year-old woman, Julie McDonagh, was arrested for public order offences after she called gardaí to an incident. Gardaí said they told her to leave the area and she did not. Her barrister, Andrew Dunne BL, said she had not been in trouble since the incident. McDonagh pleaded guilty at Portlaoise District Court to public intoxication, threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with garda directions, and Judge Andrew Cody imposed a one-month sentence suspended for two years.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced26 Jul
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A woman called gardaí to an incident and was then arrested for public order offences.
Where
The offences took place at Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The offences took place on 12 June 2024.
Other details
  • The suspect is Julie McDonagh, a 25-year-old woman of Portlaoise.
  • Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes told the court she had two previous convictions.
  • Her barrister, Andrew Dunne BL, said she had called gardaí herself, emotions were high at the time and she was incredibly apologetic.
  • Her barrister said she had not been in trouble since the incident.
  • The sentencing was reported on 28 July 2024 in the article text, while the article's metadata gives 26 July 2024.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said gardaí told her to leave the area and she did not.
Charges
Julie McDonagh pleaded guilty to public intoxication, threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with the directions of gardaí.
In court
The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court.
Sentence
Judge Andrew Cody imposed a one-month sentence, suspended for two years.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA woman called gardaí to an incident and was then arrested for public order offences. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe offences took place at Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place on June 12. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said they told her to leave the area and she did not. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeJulie McDonagh pleaded guilty to public intoxication, threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with the directions of gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Cody imposed a one month sentence, suspended for two years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherShe had two previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHer barrister said emotions were high at the time and she was incredibly apologetic. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHer barrister said she had not been in trouble since the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 26 Jul2024
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Woman called gardaí who then arrested her in Laois

    Reports the guilty plea, sentence and defence submissions in the Portlaoise District Court case of Julie McDonagh.

    convicted, Julie McDonagh, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Julie McDonagh