Online fitness coach admits having pepper spray in Laois

An online fitness coach admitted having a can of pepper spray at his address in Portarlington. 

Shane Cullen (33) of 93 Castlegate, Station Road, Portarlington admitted having a can of OC spray at his address on February 1, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Detective Garda  Conor Murphy searched the address on the date in question and located the canister in the defendant’s bedroom. He said the man was extremely cooperative and only had one minor previous conviction for a road traffic offence. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty to the offence. He said the man had worked in security 12 years ago. 

“One of his colleagues gave him this particular item with a view to self protection,” he explained. He said gardaí weren’t searching for the item during their search of the property.  

“He works in the fitness industry and does online coaching,” Mr Meagher told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would strike out the charge if the defendant paid €400 to the court poor box on or before February 10. If the donation is not made, she said the man would be convicted and fined €500.