Man had bad reaction after swallowing cocaine in Laois

A man who swallowed cocaine took “a bad reaction” and was arrested for causing a disturbance. 

Peter Graham (25) of 56 Limetree Avenue, Kilminchy, Portlaoise admitted possession of cocaine, intoxication and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Limetree Avenue, Portlaoise on November 16, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant ingested around €20 worth of cocaine at Limetree Avenue on the date in question. The man was approached by a garda and he swallowed the drugs. Sgt Kirby said the man signed a garda’s notebook admitting that it was cocaine. 

Gardaí later attended a disturbance at Limetree Avenue where the man was “shouting at the top of his voice,” said Sgt Kirby.  He said the search occurred at 6am and the public order incident occurred at 6.25am. 

“He must have taken a bad reaction to the cocaine he ingested,” said Sgt Kirby. He said the man had no previous convictions and he said the guilty plea was appreciated by the State. 

Counsel for the accused said his client had instructed him to issue an apology to the gardai and the court. He said the behaviour would not be repeated. 

“He has lived his life so far without coming to the attention of the court,” he remarked. 

Judge Susan Fay said “I wouldn’t be happy with someone shouting and bawling outside my house.” 

“This was an offence against the good people of Portlaoise,” she said. 

Judge Fay said she would apply the probation act if the man donated €200 to Laois Tidy Towns on or before June 23. If the donation is not made, she said the default would be a conviction and fine of €350. She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on June 23.