Man didn’t recall swearing at gardaí in Laois

A man who told gardaí to “f off” had no recollection of being drunk and disorderly during the day in Portlaoise. 

John Egan (44) of 13 Churchfield Heights, Castletown admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive and obstructing gardaí in Lyster Square, Portlaoise on July 29, 2023. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher asked the defendant, who appeared in court via video link from Wheatfield Prison,  if he recalled the incident. The man said he was “a recovering alcoholic” and he had “no memory” of the matter but he would plead guilty if it was him. 

The sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told the man was serving a sentence with a release date of February 18. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident happened at around 4.15pm when the defendant was “shouting and waving his hands” and told a garda to “f off” before attempting to strike him. He said the man had 20 previous convictions. 

“Mr Egan has no recollection of the incident,” said Mr Meagher. 

The defendant told the court that he was “very apologetic” and was looking to go into rehab. 

“He presents today well and certainly a lot better than the last time I saw him…he is obviously clean and doing quite well,” said Mr Meagher. 

“It wouldn’t be his normal form when he is sober to act in that fashion, judge,” he added. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the “vintage” of the offence and the guilty plea. She imposed a €300 fine, payable forthwith, with five days in default.

Mr Meagher informed his client that this would mean he will serve five days but that it wouldn’t serve any additional time. 

“And the best of luck to you in dealing with your addiction issues,” said Judge Fay.