Man given prison sentence for public order offence in Laois
The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A prison sentence was handed down to a man who admitted engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Laois.
Gordon Bergin (49) of The Lodge, Dangan Row, Castletown, was accused of being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behavior at Ballycleary, Castletown on March 11 last.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 12pm on the date in question.
“This gentleman was highly intoxicated and he was causing offence to people,” he said.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the case had been adjourned until a circuit court case concluded. She said the defendant, who appeared via video link, was now serving a two year sentence and she believed “an element” of the sentence was suspended.
She said he had a number of previous convictions for public order as he had an “over reliance on alcohol” but she believed he might get treatment now.
Ms Fitzpatrick said the man had offered an early plea and she asked that the court not extend his time in custody.
Judge Susan Fay noted the early plea and imposed a one month sentence for engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour and the second offence of being intoxicated was taken into consideration.