Woman obstructed Gardaí during drugs search in Portlaoise
She apeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A woman who obstructed Gardaí during a drugs search in Portlaoise has been ordered to gain awareness of the importance of Garda work.
Pamela McInerney (28) of 387 Market Mews, Maryborough, Portlaoise, admitted obstructing Gardaí at her address on September 9, 2025.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said prosecuting Garda Joe Fahy wasn’t in court as he is involved in a very high profile case and he was very busy.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty to the offence. “We accept that we did cause an obstruction,” she said.
Sgt Kirby said the incident occurred at 7.40pm when Garda Fahy and members of the Laois drugs squad searched a premises. He said the accused obstructed Gardaí by pulling them away from a man during the search. He described the woman as being on the “periphery” and he said she had no previous convictions.
Ms Fitzpatrick said “she was not the target of the search on the day”. She said the woman had entered an early plea, was apologetic and had no previous convictions.
“She does apologise for her behaviour on the day,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. He said the woman was “asking the court to do their best for her”.
Judge Susan Fay said she would refer the woman to the Alternative Project “to understand the work that Garda Fahy was doing and the importance of that work”.
Judge Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 15. She said she would apply the probation act on that date if she is satisfied that the woman had completed the course.