Court told Offaly man accused of being abusive to gardaí was intoxicated and walking in traffic

A man who was arrested after allegedly being abusive to gardai had an outstanding bench warrant.

Dylan Coffey (26) of Cornmarket Street, Birr, Co Offaly appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court accused of being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Mill Island, Camcor Park, Birr on August 20, 2025.

Detective Garda Tim O’Brien said the defendant was arrested at 10.10pm and was taken into custody. “I discovered there was a bench warrant in existence,” he said.

The bench warrant related to allegedly causing €200 in criminal damage of a wall at Birr Technology Centre and an allegation of threatening and abusive behaviour at Birr Technology Centre on January 21, 2025. He said the bench warrant was issued at a sitting of Tullamore District Court on June 11 this year.

Det O’Brien said in the incident on August 20, the defendant had been intoxicated and walking in traffic.

“He made an allegation he had been jumped,” said Det O’Brien. He said the man had been abusive to gardaí.

Judge Patricia Cronin asked if there was any objection to bail. Det O’Brien said there was no objection.

Solicitor Aisling Maloney requested details of the allegations and legal aid as she said her client was solely reliant on social welfare.

Judge Cronin fixed bail and granted legal aid. She adjourned the case back to Tullamore District Court on September 10.