Probation report for man arrested on Christmas Eve at Portlaoise Shopping Centre

A probation report was ordered for a man who was drunk and disorderly in a Portlaoise Shopping Centre on Christmas Eve.

Jordan Byrne, 23, of 21 Abbey Court, Portlaoise admitted to the charges arising from an incident at the Kyle Shopping Centre in Portlaoise on December 24 last. 

Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was “intoxicated and acting aggressively” at 3.30pm in the day.

Sgt Kirby said the man was “obviously intoxicated and highly abusive and there was a lot of people around.” 

The defendant, who has seven previous convictions, wrote a letter of apology after the incident. 

“He was a nuisance more than anything that day,” Sgt Kirby said.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client has entered a plea at the earliest opportunity and has issues with alcohol. 

“He does understand that this is something he must tackle seriously,” she said. 

Judge Andrew Cody put the case back to July 6 in order for a probation and welfare report  to be compiled.