Man was abusive to pizzeria staff in Laois

A man admitted being intoxicated in a fast food outlet and calling the staff ‘Pa*i bast**ds”. 

Paul Coyne (55) of Main Street, Mountrath, appeared in court accused of being intoxicated in public and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at 5 Star Pizza in Mountrath on May 26 last. 

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the accused had entered the pizzeria at 11.30pm. He said the man was intoxicated and became abusive towards staff “calling them ‘Pa*i bast**ds” during the incident. He said the defendant had a number of previous convictions including five under the public order act.

Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client “has a disability in relation to taking too much alcohol” and he has sought treatment. 

“He does apologise profusely to the people concerned at 5 Star Pizza and the gardaí,” he said. 

Mr Byrne said his client was a full time carer for his elderly father. 

Judge Deirdre Gearty said “his behaviour on the night was absolutely reprehensible.”  She said “drink is no excuse as far as I am concerned.” 

The defendant said “we own the premises” and there had been a dispute over the payment of rent. 

Judge Gearty fined him €500 and warned him not to engage in that type of behaviour again. She said drink was no excuse.