Gardai had to arrest a man who was shouting at betting shop staff in Portlaoise last month. Egidijus Bertasius, 44, with an address at 6 Carmody Walk, Fairgreen, Portlaoise admitted being drunk and abusive at Railway Street, Portlaoise on August 6 last. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirbry told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the accused “was highly intoxicated and agitated” and “shouting at staff at Boyle Sports” at 3.30pm on the date in question. He said the defendant had nine previous convictions with his most recent conviction for threatening and abusive behaviour dating from 2015. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said there was an “issue with drink threaded” through the previous offending. She explained that her client had been playing roulette and had won money on the date in question. However, when he attempted to put on another bet the teller refused due to his intoxication and “he would have won” the bet, she said. “He has brought a sum of €200 to court to offer by way of contribution,” she added. “He does appreciate he caused difficulty on the day and he shouldn’t have behaved in the manner in which he did,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. Judge Andrew Cody fined the man €300 and ordered that the €200 be donated to Laois Hospice.
