Man living in VW Polo after being asked to leave asylum centre 

A man is living in a Volkswagen Polo car after being asked to leave an asylum centre, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told.  

Muhammad Hisham, 34, with an address at the Montague Hotel, Cappakeel was accused of being threatening and abusive and intoxicated at the Montague Hotel on May 30 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardai were called to the hotel on the date in question where they discovered the defendant “roaring and shouting, causing a scene” at 9.10pm. 

“He told the guards to shut their mouths,” said Sgt Kirby. He said the man has no previous convictions. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was “very ashamed” and wished to apologise to gardai. 

He said the defendant was a Kuwaiti national who is single. The man, who is on social welfare earning just over €200 a week, was asked to leave the accommodation after the incident. 

“He now finds himself living in a car,” said Mr Meagher. He described the man as a “very religious person” and said he was ashamed. He said he was hoping to get notice of accommodation soon as he is living in the VW Polo car. 

Judge Andrew Cody imposed a six month sentence which he suspended for two years.