Missing Laois man’s son sought comfort in alcohol

A man whose father is missing crashed into a parked car while drunk in Portlaoise. 

Thomas Delaney, 34, with an address at 30 Clonroosk View, Portlaoise admitted drink driving and having no licence at Clonroosk on April 5 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was arrested at 2.55am and provided a high alcohol breath reading. He said the man had 22 previous convictions including two for drunk driving. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty. He said on the day in question he had visited his brother’s grave in Tipperary and became upset and on his return to Portlaoise began drinking. He drove and crashed into another vehicle. 

“He got out of his own vehicle and went into the house to explain what happened,” he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Mr Meagher said the owner of the other vehicle was “quite rightly”  annoyed over what had happened. 

“His dad has been missing for a number of years,” said Mr Meagher. He said “foul play is suspected” in the disappearance. 

He said his client was “finding it very hard to deal with that situation” and had taken “comfort” in alcohol.  

Mr Meagher said his client was able bodied and would be willing to engage in community service. 

Judge Andrew Cody imposed a six month sentence which he suspended for two years. He fined the man €500 for not having a licence.