Shot fireworks at gardai in Laois at Halloween 

A sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told a man shot fireworks at gardai in Mountmellick. 

Daniel McMahon, 21, of 29 Sarsfield Street, Mountmellick appeared in court accused of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Kirwan Park, Mountmellick on October 31, 2020.

Judge Andrew Cody said the defendant had failed to cooperate with the probation service. 

Defence counsel, Ciara Murphy BL said her client was engaging with the probation services in relation to a circuit court matter. 

Judge Cody said the defendant was in court for an incident involving a large gathering when he was in “possession of fireworks which he shot at gardai.”

Ms Murphy said her client was entering a guilty plea. She said he was engaging with probation services in relation to the circuit court but that was not reflected in this case. 

Judge Cody said it was a very serious matter. 

“He was given one final opportunity to engage with the probation service in February this year,” he said. 

Judge Cody said the probation services are “stretched to their limits” and stated that the man has had his chance. 

He sentenced him to three months in prison and fixed recognisance in case of appeal.