Man thanks Gardai who arrested him in Laois

A man who admitted being ‘a danger to himself’ thanked gardai who arrested him. 

Stephen Malone, 51, of 60 Buttercup Avenue, Esker Hills, Portlaoise told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that he was actively working to address his alcohol problem. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man was “stumbling out” onto the road on the Ridge Road in Portlaoise on December 6 last. He said the man “gave a bit of abuse” to gardai when arrested. 

Gardai again encountered the man at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on December 19 last, Sgt Kirby said. He said the man was “very drunk” and had to be arrested.

“I plead guilty on the two occasions before Christmas. I was too drunk,” the defendant explained. 

“I have a problem with drink I am trying to work through,” he explained. 

The man admitted to being a “danger to myself” when under the influence.

“I am extremely apologetic and thankful to the guards,” he said. 

Judge Andrew Cody said given the early plea and the responsible manner with which the man appeared to be dealing with his problem, Judge Cody imposed a €200 fine and gave him six months to pay. 

“Look after yourself,” he told the defendant.