Smashed glass with fist after refused drink in midlands pub

A pub window was smashed by a drunken man after he was refused drink, the Laois Offaly District Court judge has was told during a recent sitting in Tullamore.

The court heard that Blane McDonagh (29), Scurragh, Birr, caused €100 worth of damage at The Chestnut, Main Street, Birr on October 26 last.

Mr McDonagh admitted that offence and also pleaded guilty to public drunkenness at Scurragh, Birr. Judge Andrew Cody was told that it was 7.30pm when the accused punched a pane of glass having been refused drink.

He was intoxicated and after his arrest was brought to Birr Garda Station.

Sergeant Richard Thornton said the defendant had a conviction for assault dating from July, 2019, along with convictions for public order offences in 2014 and theft in 2013.

Mr McDonagh's solicitor, Donal Farrelly, said his client, a father of two, was on medication and should not have been drinking and quite rightly had been told he would not be served.

A letter of apology to the publican was handed into the court and €100 was brought to pay for the damage. Judge Cody fined the man €400.