Man was abusive to hotel staff in Laois

A man who hadn’t had a drink for a year became abusive to staff at a Laois hotel during a night out. 

Thomas Delaney (37) of 30 Clonroosk View, Portlaoise,  admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise on July 22 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at around 12.15am when gardai responded to a report of “an intoxicated male guest abusing staff and customers” at the hotel. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant was very unsteady on his feet and had to be arrested. He said the man, who had 55 previous convictions, did cooperate once gardai arrived.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had been out with his wife and his wife’s mother after attending the funeral in Nenagh. She said the man had battled with alcohol and hadn’t had a drink for a year before the incident. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said an argument with staff arose over the use of a vape and the man became agitated. She said the man was seeking help for his issues and was working with LOETB and engaging with the Traveller Action Group. “Everyday he is doing something,” she told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report and asked that the man be assessed for community service. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 16 for finalisation.