Man "squared up" to responding garda in Laois

A man who described himself as “a poor drunk” admitted squaring up to a garda in Stradbally. 

Nicholas Carville (49) of 69 Oak Vale Meadows, Stradbally appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at his address on November 24 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred shortly after midnight when gardaí responded to a verbal disagreement between a couple. 

“He squared up to Garda Foley with clenched fists, started shouting at him,” Sgt Kirby explained. He said the man had a lot of historic previous convictions but was now normally well behaved. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client, who is in receipt of disability, holds a truck licence and was given a trial with a company. As a result the man had extra money which he “unfortunately” used to buy alcohol, he said.

“He acknowledges now that that was totally inappropriate,” said Mr Meagher. 

He said the man’s previous convictions are historic and he wanted to apologise for his behaviour. He said in the man’s own words “he is a poor drunk” and he is very embarrassed about the incident.  

Judge Susan Fay fined the man €300 and granted legal aid to Mr Meagher.