Suspended prison sentence for Offaly man for public order offences

An Offaly man was given a suspended prison sentence for public order offences during the November 27 sitting of Tullamore District Court.

Thomas McDonagh, 26 Presentation Place, Birr, was charged with being intoxicated in public and engaging in threatening behaviour.

The incident happened at Ormond House, Emmet Square, Birr on November 2 2023.

The court was told that Mr McDonagh's engagement with the Probation Services hadn't been as good as asked for.

The defending Barrister David Nugent said his client accepted that fact.

Mr Nugent also pointed out that the defendant is on medication for his back and he takes antidepressants.

“The combination of this medication makes his speech slurred which unfortunately causes some to think he is intoxicated when, in fact, he is not.”

Judge Andrew Cody commented that Mr McDonagh had spat at somebody on the date in question, “which is a disgusting act”.

He convicted and sentenced to three months imprisonment, suspending the sentence for a period of two years.