Man before Laois court after threatening gardaí and their families

A man who threatened gardaí and their families during a daytime public order incident appeared in court in Laois. 

Christopher Cooney (48) with an address at Fort House, Dublin Road, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath was arrested by gardaí at Cloncollig, Tullamore, Co Offaly on May 14 last. 

He is accused of criminal damage, obstructing a peace officer and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Cloncollig on May 14. 

The man is further accused of stealing wine valued at €13.99 from Spar, Patrick Street, Tullamore on November 20, 2024 and stealing an electric scooter valued at €200 from Tullamore Train Station on November 4, 2024. 

Garda Christopher Ward said the defendant had responded to a report of a male causing a disturbance in Cloncollig at 6.50pm. He noted there was a bench warrant in existence for the man.

He said the man was “highly abusive” and began threatening gardaí and members of the public. The man refused to get into the back of a patrol car and continued to threaten Garda Ward and his colleague, “both our safety and our family members,” said Garda Ward. 

“There was a large number of children in the area,” he told Judge Andrew Cody. 

Garda Ward said assistance was called and “we eventually were able to convey him to Tullamore Garda Station.”  

He said the defendant apologised for his behaviour the following morning. He said the criminal damage related to boot and scuff marks left on the inside of the patrol car. 

Andrew Dunne BL requested bail for his client who he said was living in a B&B in Kilbeggan and feared losing his accommodation. He said his client was pleading guilty to all of the offending and he suggested strict bail conditions. 

However, Judge Cody refused bail and remanded the defendant in custody to appear before Tullamore District Court on May 19. He granted legal aid in the case.