Man had to be pepper sprayed in Laois

Gadaí attending a disturbance in Portlaoise had to pepper spray a man who was aggressive. 

Michael Joyce (27) of 133 Raithin, Ashe Road, Mullingar pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour and failing to comply with the directions of gardaí at the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise on June 12, 2024. 

Christy Nevin (23) of 7 Oak Park, Portlaoise also pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, failing to comply with the direction of gardaí and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour during the same incident on the Abbeyleix  Road in Portlaoise on June 12.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said there were six people intoxicated at the location on the night in question. 

He said Mr Joyce was “acting particularly aggressively” on the night.

“He had to be pepper sprayed. When he sobered up he was ok,” Sgt Kirby said. He told the court sitting that the man had 12 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher explained that a number of cousins had gathered on the night in question. He said Mr Joyce apologises for being in an “intoxicated and belligerent” state. 

“They overindulged on drink on the night in question,” he said. 

Judge Nicola Andrews fined Mr Joyce €300 and granted legal aid. 

Sgt Kirby said Mr Nevin, who faced the same charges, only had one previous conviction. 

Mr Meagher said the defendant was “one of the family group” who is a keen sportsman and doesn’t normally drink. 

Judge Andrews fined the man €300 and granted legal aid.