Man spat in Garda’s face after arrest in Laois

A man admitted spitting in the face of a garda after being arrested in Laois. 

David McDonagh (30) of 4 Kilmalogue Park, Portarlington admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Bracklone Street, Portarlington and assaulting a garda at Portlaoise Garda Station by spitting on him on January 25, 2024.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was arrested for being drunk and “shouting and roaring” at Bracklone Street on the date in question. He was taken back to the garda station where “he stood up and spat hitting Garda James Cahill around the eye area.”

Sgt Kirby told the court the defendant had a number of previous convictions. 

Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client was pleading guilty to the offence. He described the spitting as “very, very shocking” and said his client was “very, very apologetic” and very embarrassed about the incident. 

He said the man had drank a lot of alcohol on the day and was also on medication as he suffers from anxiety and depression.  

Mr Byrne told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that his client was serving a prison sentence and had a release date on July 9 this year. 

“I would ask the court not to increase his sentence,” he said. 

Judge Susan Fay imposed a four month  prison sentence for the assault on the garda.