Man found lying on footpath in Portlaoise

A man found lying on the footpath in Portlaoise began verbally abusing gardaí.

Ray Bowell, 40, of 5 Rockview Hill, Portlaoise was accused of being drunk and disorderly on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise on December 23 last. He was also accused of possessing cocaine valued at €70 at Portlaoise Garda Station on the same date.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the gardaí found the man lying on a footpath on the Abbeyleix Road at 12.35am. 

“When he was roused he became verbally abusive,” said Sgt Kirby. 

He said the man was arrested and gardai discovered a bag of cocaine. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had recently separated before Christmas. He said the man suffers from anxiety and depression. He said the man was “confused and agitated” when woken by gardaí. 

Mr Meagher said his client, who works in construction, hasn’t had a drink since Christmas. He also said the man had no previous convictions. 

Judge Nicola Andrews said she would deal with the matter by way of a charitable donation of €350. She said the money was to be paid on or before May 27. In default of the payment, she said a conviction and €500 fine would be imposed for the cocaine possession and the other matters would be taken into consideration.