Drunk man arrested in Portlaoise for his own safety

A fine was handed down to a man who was arrested for being drunk in Portlaoise.

Miles Connors, 51, of 29 Churchfield Heights, Castletown admitted being intoxicated at Boughlone Way, Bellingham, Portlaoise on December 23, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at around 7pm. 

“He was drunk and he had to be arrested for his own safety,” Sgt Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Sgt Kirby said when the defendant “sobered up” he was fine. He had 26 previous convictions which were mainly for public order offences, Sgt Kirby told the court. 

The defendant told Judge Nicola Andrews that he had suffered a number of bereavements prior to the incident. He said he was trying to turn his life around.  

“Sorry, I apologise to the court your honour,” he said. 

Judge Andrews fined the man €150 and gave him six months to pay.