Man urinated on Garda cell after '12 pubs' night in Portlaoise 

A man urinated all over a garda cell after completing the ‘12 pubs’ of Christmas and being ejected from a bar in Portlaoise. 

Adam Kenna, 23, of 36 Erkindale Drive, Durrow admitted being intoxicated and abusive in Portlaoise and causing criminal damage at Portlaoise Garda Station on December 22, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was arrested by Garda Angela O’Connor as he was intoxicated and abusive at Main Street in Portlaoise at 11.20pm. He was detained at  Portlaoise Garda Station where the criminal damage occurred. 

“He urinated all over the walls and cell door,” Sgt Kirby explained. 

He said the cell had to be “deep cleaned” following the incident. The defendant has one previous conviction for drunk driving. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was living at home and working in sales. He said the man was part of  a “12 pubs type night out” and “this incident occurred after the twelfth pub”. 

“He says that he has very little memory. He was ejected from a local bar,” Mr Meagher explained. 

He said his client now acknowledges that he was “lucky” gardai arrested him for his own safety. He said the man wants to express his “remorse, shame and apologies” following the incident. 

“He was particularly shocked by what happened at the station. He would say that he has no recollection,” Mr Meagher said. 

Although he couldn’t recall the incident, Mr Meagher said his client fully accepted the facts as outlined by the prosecution.   

Judge Nicola Andrews said “he should be mortified” by his behaviour. 

“You expect to clean up after babies, not adults,” she remarked. 

Mr Meagher said his client had brought €300 to court with him. He said it represents nearly a week's wages for the defendant. 

Judge Andrews said she would  strike out the charges if the defendant donated €200 to charity and €100 in compensation for the station cleaning bill. 

“This man needs to grow up,” said Judge Andrews. 

Mr Meagher said his client hasn’t had a drink since the incident. 

Once the money was paid over, Judge Andrews struck out the charges.