Suspended sentence for Offaly woman on public order offences

A WOMAN who grabbed a male by the neck leading to a public order offence was given a suspended sentence at a recent sitting of Tullamore District Court.

In his evidence Sergeant Brendan Kearns said the incident happened on June 11, 2023 outside the Education and Training Centre in Birr when Karen Cotter, 21, Chesterfield Close, Birr, was intoxicated and used and engaged in threatening and abusive words or behaviour. There had been another female and male present.

Karen Cotter had five previous convictions for public order offences.

Solicitor Patrick Martin said Ms Cotter had a medical condition and has had a difficult past. He said she is not drinking at the moment.

Judge Andrew Cody sentenced her to three months in prison which he suspended for two years on her own bond of €100.

He took the other two offences of abusive words and behaviour and being intoxicated into consideration.