Intoxicated woman ’abused’ Portlaoise Social Welfare staff
The woman appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
An intoxicated woman admitted she had ‘abused staff’ at the Department of Social Welfare in Portlaoise.
Cora Cuddy (26) of 26 Birchgrove, Portlaoise, admitted engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the Department of Social Welfare, Portlaoise, on May 29 last.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 3pm on the date in question.
“She abused staff. She said one of these days you will be outside the office and you will know all about it,” he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the woman was “intoxicated on the day in question” and there had been an issue and her dole payment was stopped. He said the incident was “fueled by alcohol” and “she is a lady who is dealing with matters” and doing well now.
Judge Andrew Gubbins said the staff had a difficult enough job without having to deal with such behaviour. He convicted the woman and fined her €200, allowing her six months to pay.
When Mr Fitzgerald asked the judge to consider a more lenient approach, Judge Gubbins said “it was a bit of a sinister comment to make” toward staff.
“Staff at the Social Welfare office don’t deserve that kind of abuse,” he added.
He granted legal aid and fixed recognisance in case of appeal.