Drunk man pepper sprayed after swinging at gardaí 

A jail sentence was handed down to a man who had to be pepper sprayed as he swung at gardai. 

Aaron Kelly, 29, of 34 Dr Murphy Place, Portlaoise was arrested for being drunk and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at his address on November 12, 2021. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was in jail and has been attending school and  doing well. She said his release date is May 18 next year. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the defendant “had to be pepper sprayed” on the night of his arrest. 

“He was drunk and he pushed the gardai. He was swinging and punching,” he stated. 

Ms Fitzpatrick acknowledged her client’s behaviour. 

“He has an alcohol addiction that he simply has to address,” she said. She said he was using his time well in prison. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had a tough upbringing and had ten previous convictions. 

“When sober and drug free he wouldn’t be the worst of them,” he remarked. 

Judge Cody imposed a one month sentence for the threatening and abusive behaviour. He said the charge of intoxication would be taken into consideration.